5 former Chicago Cubs players you’ve totally forgotten about

The hard truth is this. Unless you happen to be a member of a historically unforgettable team (the 2016 Chicago Cubs, for example) – there’s a decent chance that, unless you’re a superstar, as the years go by, fewer and fewer fans will remember your time on the diamond.

That statement transcends fanbases and sports – and the Cubs are no exception here. Sure, there are the diehards who can rattle off obscure contributors and bits of knowledge dating back decades, but the more casual fan tends to gravitate toward the well-known guys on a roster.

So, in hopes of tipping my cap to guys who played for the North Siders during my 30 years who may be falling by the wayside in our memories, here is my list of 5 former Chicago Cubs you’ve likely forgotten about.

5 former Chicago Cubs you’ve likely forgotten about – #5: Randy Wells

Right-hander Randy Wells is one of those guys who made some decent contributions during his admittedly brief career. Drafted by Chicago in 2002, Wells briefly got snatched up by the Jays in the 2007 Rule 5 Draft before being returned ahead of the 2008 season.

It wasn’t until 2009 he really got his first extended taste of big league action – and he didn’t waste the opportunity. Wells finished sixth in National League Rookie of the Year voting that year, going 12-10 with a 3.05 ERA. He was the first Cubs rookie to win seven games in a season since Kerry Wood accomplished the feat back in 1998.

That  season marked the only time in his MLB career he tallied double-digit wins.

Never one to rack up the punchouts, Wells,’ career high K/9 came in 2010, when he notched 6.7 strikeouts per nine for the Cubs. By the time 2012 rolled around, the Belleville, IL native wound up missing the final eight weeks of the season due to elbow surgery and the following spring, he hung up his spikes at just 29 years of age.