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Cubs: Three legends who deserve to have their number retired

By Logan Whaley|
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 07: Flags bearing the retired numbers of former Chicago Cubs Billy Williams, Ryan Sandberg and Greg Maddux fly from the right field foul pole before the Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Reds game at Wrigley Field on September 7, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Reds 6-3. (Photo by Brian D. Kersey/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 07: Flags bearing the retired numbers of former Chicago Cubs Billy Williams, Ryan Sandberg and Greg Maddux fly from the right field foul pole before the Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Reds game at Wrigley Field on September 7, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Reds 6-3. (Photo by Brian D. Kersey/Getty Images)
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Chicago Cubs
(Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)

The Cubs have retired only five numbers in their history, and it’s time they added more to the collection.

One of the biggest honors across the realm of professional sports is that of having your number retired. Sure, a ring is excellent, as is the recognition of being called a champion. Outside of a coveted spot in Cooperstown, for a player to see their number shelved because of their contributions to a team is surreal.

In the 117 year history for the Cubs, fans have seen only five numbers retired – Ron Santo’s number 10, Ernie Banks’ number 14, Ryne Sandberg’s number 23, Billy Williams’ number 26, and the number 31, shared by two greats, Fergie Jenkins and Greg Maddux.

Understandably so the honor of retiring a number is almost incomparable to any praise sans the Hall of Fame. In 2009, the club chose to retire the number 31, which shows how few and far between it does happen. Which numbers should be the next to have flags flown high above “The Friendly Confines”? Don’t worry. We have you covered.

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