Five Cubs players I’m thankful I got to see play in my lifetime

Coming out of Thanksgiving, here are five Cubs players I’m thankful for.

My daughter learned several Thanksgiving poems at school over the past few weeks and even a little pre-meal “grace” about blessings she makes all of us say before dinner. While this year has brought numerous unforeseen and unexpected obstacles or challenges to all parents, kids, workers, and even sports fans, it’s definitely a reminder that we should always count our blessings and appreciate what we have over what we might be missing.  More than any other year, this Thanksgiving season is a season to reflect upon those blessings and what we should be thankful for in our everyday lives.

In that vein, it seemed apropos to discuss what I’m thankful for in regards to the team I root for and write about it. And, since it’s hard (at the moment) to be thankful about the current state of affairs and the change that is looming on the horizon for the Chicago Cubs, let’s look back on players many fans were thankful for during their time on the north side.

While many of the current Cubs hold a special place in my heart, I’m going to refrain from including any players from the recent window of contention. We tend to look back on former players with a softer lens and let nostalgia cloud or mask any negativity we once held for each one, regardless of their actual effect on the team at the time. Then again, some people are better at harboring ill will and grudges, but I can’t help that.

Without further ado, here are five ballplayers I’m thankful laced their spikes up in the Friendly Confines for the home team.