Chicago Cubs: A nostalgic look back into the ghosts of Wrigley’s past

Chicago Cubs: Fred McGriff, 1B, 2001-02

At the tail end of his potential Hall of Fame career, Fred McGriff accepted a trade from the Tampa Bay Rays, landing him on the North Side of the Windy City. Midway through the 2001 season, McGriff was sent to the Cubs in a deal which netted prospects in return. Simple enough.

Nevertheless, McGriff ended up being an excellent addition for the Cubs, despite the fact he was 37, going on 38. In 2001, McGriff appeared in 49 games following the trade and was as solid as they could have hoped for, slashing .282/.383/.559 with a .942 OPS, 12 HR and 41 RBI in 201 plate appearances.

The following season, at the ripe age of 38, McGriff slashed .273/.353/.505 with a .858 OPS. He also hit a resounding 30 home runs, while driving in 103 runs. Finishing with a .366 wOBA and 125 wRC+ in 595 plate-appearances, it was clear McGriff did not slow down. While the 2002 season culminated in only 67 wins, the ageless wonder McGriff did his best to provide some last stitched fireworks of his own.