Recalling the 5 best-hitting pitchers in Chicago Cubs history

Cubs: One of the toughest guys to face on the mound was not an easy out, either

Hall of Fame pitcher Grover Cleveland “Pete” Alexander spent nine of his 20 MLB seasons with the Cubs. As a North Sider, the intimidating righty from Nebraska pitched to a 2.84 ERA, 3.08 FIP, 1.2 WHIP and struck out 614 hitters in 1884.1 innings.

His ability to hit was nothing to gawk at either. Alexander slashed .230/.267/.301 with a .568 OPS, 78 RBI and six home runs in a Cubs uniform. He is fourth on the team all-time pitcher hit list with 149, tied for sixth in doubles (20) and 12th in at bats (648). His .230 average is second-highest among Cubs pitchers to accumulate at least 500 at bats, with his .267 OBP being the highest among that group.

Worth noting arguably his best offensive season as a Cub was in 1921 when he slashed .305/.320/.389 in 102 plate appearances.

Alexander’s playing days outside Chicago were spent in either St. Louis or Philadelphia. He finished with 378 career hits, 60 doubles, 13 triples and 11 home runs. Though, it was obviously his career 2.56 ERA, and 373 wins that got him into Cooperstown.