Chicago Cubs: There’s one in every generation, but never another Mr. Cub

The Chicago Cubs have always had that one guy who epitomized what it meant to be a Cub, but no one did it in the same way as Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks.

Ernie Banks retired in 1971, and the fortunes of the Chicago Cubs sunk to dismal lows for over a decade shortly afterward.  Sure, we’ve seen players who have assumed the mantle of fan favorite, even MVP – but no one has ever been able to touch that hallowed title of ‘Mr. Cub’.

And it’s no wonder. Banks has a truly historic resume. He won back-to-back MVP awards in 1958 and 1959, earned 14 Gold Gloves over the course of his career and, to this day, remains the team’s all-time leader in games played, total bases and extra-base hits. But what he meant to the Cubs organization spans far beyond what he did in the box score every day. He brought a youthful exuberance and joy with him both on and on the field that made him truly endearing to generations of fans.

There’s no comparing to Mr. Cub. But that’s not to say we haven’t had our hearts stolen over the years since he hung up his spikes. Do you have anyone in particular in mind? Well here are a few names likely to show up on anyone’s list.