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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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(Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport)
(Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport) /

Cubs: First baseman Mark Grace, number 17

Fans across Wrigleyville will understand the impact Mark Grace had on the Northside. Plain and simple, if you claim your allegiance to the Cubs and don’t know Grace, you’re not a real fan (only half kidding).

Grace donned the red and blue pinstripes for 13 wonderful years of a 16-year career. He’s a former 24th round pick, which sounds crazy considering the career he put together. In his rookie year, Grace slashed .296/.371/.403 and finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year vote.

In 1993 Grace earned his first All-Star nod when he hit .325 with 98 RBI and was the Gold Glove recipient that season for his defensive work at first base. He was a consistently healthy face for the Cubs, only spending one year where he missed a part of the season. Overall, Grace played 1,910 games in a Cubs uniform. His career line – .308/.386/.445, 148 home runs, 1,004 RBI, and a career 122 OPS+.

At present, the number 17 is being worn by another star – third baseman Kris Bryant. Bryant earned Rookie of the year honors in 2015 and followed it up with an MVP-winning season in 2016. It seems that the number 17 is one of great luck for Cubs players, and whenever Bryant’s tenure with the Cubs end (hopefully it will not), it is a number made famous by Grace, which should be flown loud and proud in Wrigley.

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