Chicago Cubs: 25 best all-time players in franchise history

Chicago Cubs Greatest All-Time Players: No. 5 – Sammy Sosa

WAR: 60.7

By far the most controversial name on this list, Slammin’ Sammy Sosa takes up residence at No. 5. What to say about the former Cubs outfielder that hasn’t already been said a million times.

Let’s start with the basics. He spent 13 years with the team — and in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he obliterated almost every franchise single-season offensive record. He carries the Cubs’ single-season record for oWAR, slugging percentage, total bases, home runs, runs created, adjusted batting wins, extra-base hits, intentional walks and at bats per home run.

Sosa could hit (if you’ve made it this far on this list and didn’t know that already, I’m both impressed and worried).

Of course, he’s most remembered for his role in the Great Home Run Chase of 1998, when he and Mark McGwire both eclipsed the long-standing 61-home run mark set by Yankees legend Roger Maris. Although the Cardinals slugger won that battle, Sosa took home NL MVP honors in the end.

Due to his ties to the Steroid Era, the organization is yet to welcome the slugger back to Wrigley Field. He hasn’t set foot at the ballpark he called home since he left the final game of the 2004 season early. Will he return at some point? Probably. But his legacy is forever tarnished.

Accomplishments & Awards

• NL MVP Winner (1998)
• Seven-time All-Star
• Six-time Silver Slugger Winner