Chicago Cubs: Top home run hitters of all-time

Chicago Cubs Top Home Run Hitters – No. 5: Ryne Sandberg (282)

Ryne Sandberg played nearly his whole glorious career with the Chicago Cubs and helped redefined his position. No longer did second basemen need to be light-hitting slap hitters with great gloves. Sandberg proved a second baseman could be a productive hitter with power and still play great defense. After playing in just 13 games and getting six at-bats for the Phillies, the Cubs traded for him in what may be the greatest trade in franchise history.

Sandberg hit 14 or more home runs in nine straight seasons, including a career and Major League-high 40 in 1989. He drove in 100 runs twice, and lead the Majors in Runs Scored three times. He also had speed; Sandberg stole at least 15 bases 11 straight years. He swiped more than 30 bags five times.

He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2005, inexplicably on his third year of eligibility. He is a Cubs legend and rightfully so. In a time when middle infielders seldom showed consistent power, and few were offensive stars, Ryne Sandberg stood out. He was a true five-tool player who was the franchise player a decade and a half.