Chicago Cubs: Former players hopeful for shot at HOF

The Chicago Cubs had seven former players on the 2016 Hall of Fame ballot. Will any of them ever make it to the Hall?

Back in 2007, Jason Kendall played 57 games for the Cubs. He came over from Oakland in a midseason trade and provided some offensive stability as a catcher for the Cubs during their playoff push. While his time in Chicago was short-lived–he left town via free agency that winter–Kendall made an impact during his short time, as he did in longer stints for Pittsburgh and Oakland.

Similar remarks could be offered for Mark Grudzielanek–one of Harry Caray’s favorite players–who helped the ’03 Cubs.

It’s safe to say that while these players made big contributions during their careers, they are not Hall-bound.

Then there is Nomar Garciaparra: a player who seemed destined for the Hall of Fame only to have his career trashed by injury. Nomar had a couple of crazy-good years, notably 1999 and 2000 while playing for the Red Sox, but he could not consistently stay on the field. His time with the Cubs was no exception. Nomar may hang on the ballot for a year or two but isn’t likely to get elected.

So that’s three of seven Cubs on the ballot excluded from running. Who could actually have a chance of getting in? Click on to see who’s left.

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