Ranking the top five Chicago Cubs leadoff hitters in history

Chicago Cubs: Brian McRae

From 1995 to 1997 Brian McRae was the Cubs everyday leadoff hitter. Those were arguably the best three years of his 10-year career as the switch hitter brought a little bit of everything to table.

During his time in Chicago, McRae showed flashes of power and speed while getting on base at a high rate. He had an on-base percentage of .345, hit .273 at the plate and scored 239 runs. He also hit 33 home runs while stealing 71 bases.

His second season with the Cubs in 1996 was his best in the big leagues. He recorded 171 hits, 17 of them home runs, scored 111 runs and swiped 37 bases. Out of the leadoff spot he also managed to drive in 66 RBIs. He was second in hits that year behind only Mark Grace and led the Cubs in stolen bases.

McRae was a solid player who put up good numbers but never played for a playoff team throughout his entire career. If the Cubs teams he was on had made the playoffs or if he was a part of a special run, perhaps he would be better remembered. In 1997 the Cubs were in last place and traded McRae to the New York Mets.