At long last, Cub killer Lance Berkman hangs up his spikes

Jun 19, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter

(27) is congratulated by his teammates in the dugout after hitting a two run home run in the second inning of the game against the Oakland Athletics at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

For far too long, Lance Berkman has dominated the Chicago Cubs. However, with the recent announcement of his retirement, Cubs fans can, at long last, breathe a sigh of relief. The terror is over.

Although his numbers were disappointing at Wrigley Field (.215 batting average, 83 strikeouts in 83 games), he clubbed a total of 33 homers, driving in 98 RBIs and scoring 97 runs himself. He always had the knack of driving in the key runs, especially against Chicago.

Amidst the “Killer Bs” of the Houston Astros, surrounded by the likes of Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio, Berkman added intense power to the lineup. His bat, and his versatility as one of the best switch-hitters in the game, earned him six All-Star nods during his career.

Two times (2002,2006), Berkman hit more than 40 home runs, six times (2001,2002,2004,2006,2007,2008) he drove in more than 100 runs, including a career-high 128 RBIs in 2002. He possessed not only power, but average, as well. Over the course of his career, Berkman slashed .293/.406/.537, and he experienced a resurgence in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals, finishing seventh in the MVP balloting that season.

Over 15 years, Berkman clubbed 366 home runs and drove in 1234 runs. Those 366 long-balls rank 76th all-time in Major League Baseball history, while his .293 clip at the dish comes in at 312th among baseball players.

Since the Wednesday announcement, many have pondered whether or not Berkman is a potential Hall of Famer. Let us know what you think in the comments below.