Chicago Cubs: Middle infielder dynamic duos throughout the years

Chicago Cubs: Kessinger and Beckert

They were not flashy though both would win Gold Gloves, Glenn Beckert in 1968, and Don Kessinger twice in 1969 and 1970.

They played together for nine years, from the day Beckert came up in 1965 until he was traded in 1974 to the San Diego Padres.  From 1967 until 1972, Kessinger and Beckert anchored the middle of the infield through those six winning seasons in a  row.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs: Adrian Sampson is forcing his way into the conversation
• Projecting the Chicago Cubs bullpen to open the 2023 season
• Cubs fans are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel
• Justin Steele has evolved into a frontline starter for the Cubs
• The future of first base is murky right now for the Cubs

In 1969 Beckert and Kessinger would be involved in over 100 double plays as the Cubs fought for a long-sought National League title and World Series.  We know what happened.  The Cubs faded in September, and the Mets went on 44-17 win streak throughout August and September, led by future Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Tug McGraw, and then 22-year-old Nolan Ryan.

That year was among the best for both Kessinger and Beckert. Kessinger would post a 10.0 Runs Above Average at shortstop, Beckert 5.0 RAA, career marks for both.  Neither wielded a particularly dangerous bat, but Kessinger slashed a respectable .273/.332/.366 in 1969, and Beckert a .291/.325/.341 slash.

All four Cubs infielders would make the National League All-star team in 1969, though only Kessinger and Santo would start.  That year was the pinnacle for the team.  By1973, the Cubs began a teardown of sorts and wouldn’t be contenders again for over ten years.