Chicago Cubs: March Madness comes down to Ron Santo v. Ernie Banks

Chicago Cubs: Santo and Banks closer than you think statistically

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Here’s what jumps off the page about Santo and Banks as Cubs – Banks played more games and had some prodigious offensive seasons as he was more of a home run hitter.

Santo walked more and had more modern statistical balance with a higher OBP and lower slugging percentage. Santo was also the superior fielder, although Banks was a tremendous shortstop early in his career and did win one Gold Glove following his back-to-back MVP seasons.

Offensively, it seems like Banks was the superior hitter, what with the career milestones of 500 home runs and 2,500 hits, although he played more games and didn’t walk nearly as much as Santo, which has to account for something as well.

Defensively, they may have been closer had Banks stayed at shortstop his entire career, but Santo has to get the nod there over the course of his career, winning five gold gloves at the hot corner.

Banks actually had a lower cumulative bWAR total than Santo, yet made 14 All-Star teams to Santo’s nine. He also holds a decisive lead in the MVP battle as well, with two trophies to Santo’s none. While modern analysts could make the case that Santo was the best Cub to ever play, there’s no way I can go against the face of the Cubs franchise. When MLB fans think about the Cubs, one guy comes to mind: Ernie Banks. With that in mind, Banks is your 2020 Chicago Cubs March Madness victor, the face of one of the most iconic and cherished ball clubs in history.

Thanks for sticking around throughout the entire Cubs “March Madness,” even though the tournament took a bit longer than the usual one. While there were certainly upsets and interesting matchups throughout, the ending and two guys at the end were far from surprises.