Chicago Clubs: Players, Records, Performance and Achievements

Chicago is home to two storied Major League Baseball teams: the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs, who were established in 1876, were well-known throughout time majorly due to their legendary Wrigley Field and their consecutive World Series victories in 1907 and 1908. Often referred to as the “Curse of the Billy Goat,” the squad failed to win a title until 2016, and when they finally did, thrilling supporters from all around the world showered their victory. The 1901-established White Sox on the South Side has likewise had a lasting impression on the game. Their decades-long title drought came to an end in 2005 when they clinched the World Series, demonstrating their tenacity. At the team’s historic home, Comiskey Park, events like the 1919 “Black Sox Scandal” took place. These rivals across town have produced prominent players and unforgettable events. Baseball superstars like Frank Thomas and Paul Konerko, as well as Cubs stalwarts Ryne Sandberg and Ernie Banks, have left their marks on baseball history. 

Chicago Clubs: Prominent Players

Cap Anson

Although it’s been decades now, Cap Anson is still considered to be one of the oldest and wisest members of the Chicago Cubs. In addition to leading the Cubs in managing victories, Anson was a skilled first baseman who also made a lasting impression on the field. Anson’s remarkable slash line of.331/.396/.448 over 22 seasons, along with four batting titles, cemented his offensive dominance. Anson was a Cubs player who led the team in hits, runs, RBI, and doubles during his career. Anson’s achievements were recognized when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1939.

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Ron Santo

One of the Chicago Cubs’ all-time greats, Ron Santo has been a mainstay at third base as witnessed by his high ranking on the team’s WAR chart. Santo had a significant influence despite playing for the Cubs for almost his whole career. The right-handed slugger spent 14 seasons at Wrigley Field and put up an amazing slash line of.279/.366/.472, including 337 home runs and 1290 RBI. Among his many achievements are five Gold Gloves, nine All-Star selections, and a well-earned entrance into the Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2003, the Cubs retired Santo’s number 10 in honor of his services.

Ryne Sandberg

The path Ryne Sandberg took in baseball had a twist; Sandberg began with the Phillies and ended up being a legendary Chicago Cub. Wearing the Cubs jersey for almost his whole playing career, the second baseman accumulated an impressive resume of accomplishments. Ten All-Star selections, seven Silver Sluggers, and nine Gold Gloves were awarded to Sandberg, demonstrating his extraordinary abilities. The 1984 National League MVP, Sandberg,  showed off his flexibility by leading the league in many categories. As evidence of his enduring influence, Sandberg’s number 23 was retired in Chicago, and in 2005 he was inducted into baseball’s greatest award, the Hall of Fame.

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Billy Williams

Billy Williams, an outfielder, made an impression on the Cubs after making his breakthrough in 1959. Though Williams made a few cameos in 1959 and 1960, his influential career began in 1961, when he maintained his rookie status. With 25 home runs, 86 RBI, and a slash line of.278/.338/.484, Williams demonstrated his star potential and won the NL Rookie of the Year award. Williams won a batting title, was selected six times for the All-Star team, and had a lasting impression on the Cubs throughout the years. After Williams was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987, the team retired his number 26 in recognition of his services.

Stan Hack

Stan Hack, a third baseman, was a fixture on the Cubs during the 1930s and 1940s, having committed his playing career to the team. Hack largely depended on quickness to be an effective table-setter even if he lacked the power striker usually associated with the hot corner position. Hack had a slash line of.301/.394/.397 over his 16 seasons with the Cubs. Notably, due to his relentless base-stealing efforts, Hack holds the rare distinction of leading the league in getting caught stealing for five consecutive years. In the history of the Cubs, his dedication to the team has left a lasting impact.

Chicago Clubs: Season Records

Decade	Wins	Losses	Pct
1870s	253	194	.566
1880s	691	395	.636
1890s	711	654	.521
1900s	879	592	.598
1910s	826	668	.553
1920s	807	728	.526
1930s	889	646	.579
1940s	736	802	.479
1950s	672	866	.437
1960s	735	868	.459
1970s	785	827	.487
1980s	735	821	.472
1990s	739	813	.476
2000s	807	811	.499
2010s	817	803	.504
2020s	262	284	.480
All-time	11239	10655	.513

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Chicago Clubs: Years of Peak Performance

Throughout their existence, the MLB’s Chicago Clubs have experienced a lot of seasons of outstanding play. An anecdote for some of the most noteworthy ones is provided below: 

Era	Accomplishments
1906-1910 & 2015-2016	5 World Series titles (1906, 1907, 1908, 2016), 3 NLCS appearances, 5 NLDS appearances

Chicago Clubs: Recent Major Achievements

An anecdote of the MLB’s Chicago Clubs’ members latest achievements is provided below: 

1. On October 3, 2018, the Chicago Cubs earned a spot in the National League Wild Card game thanks to their impressive late-season play. However, they lost to the Colorado Rockies in the NLDS to end their playoff run.
2. The Chicago White Sox secured an American League Wild Card position on September 29, 2020, marking their first postseason trip since 2016. Despite this accomplishment, they lost to the Oakland Athletics in the AL Wild Card Game.
3. On September 30, 2021, the Chicago White Sox won the American League Central Division Championship, their first division crown since 2008. They were able to qualify for the ALCS and met the Houston Astros as a result of their performance; nevertheless, they lost the series.
4. The Chicago White Sox won the American League Central Division on October 3, 2023, their second straight year of successful defense. Notwithstanding their success, they had to contend with a difficult ALDS result as the New York Yankees swept them.