Muhammad Ali, who was the epitome of greatness, told everyone who would listen repeatedly, "I am the greatest of all time". With that being said, MLB.com is asking fans to decide who is the single greatest player in a franchise's history....just one that is it. The debate as they refer to it is called "Hometown Heroes" and they are asking fans to vote between now and September 17th.
There are 5 nominees per club, 150 total and the nominees for the Chicago Cubs are: Ernie Banks, Ferguson Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg, Ron Santo and Billy Williams. So who is the Greatest Chicago Cub of All-Time?
I was listening to Colin Cowherd Tuesday morning on ESPN Radio and he had a very heated debate on who is the best from all of the teams. I listen to Cowherd on a regular basis and while I do not always agree with him, his honesty is very refreshing. There was not a consensus by his callers as to who is the greatest to ever wear Cubbie blue, so I thought this might be a good discussion during the day of a night game.
Major League Baseball will announce their winners during the final week of the regular season and will be done during a three part original series on ESPN called "DHL Presents Major League Baseball Hometown Heroes" and will air September 26th, September 27th and September 29th. Here is the official release from MLB.com and the list of nominees.
Of course the "Hometown Heroes" is sponsored by DHL and will be a part of a huge advertising campaign that will include television, print, radio and online promotions. There will also be over 800 DHL vehicles with the "Hometown Heroes" logo on them in cities such as Chicago, Boston, Cleveland, Philadelphia, New York, San Francisco and St. Louis. Fans can vote online or at the ballpark.
This vote and debate is not sponsored by anyone but you. Who does the Cubs Faithful think is the greatest Cub of All-Time? Let your voice and reason be heard. Send a link to all of your friends that are Cubs fans that may be unaware of the CCO and ask them to participate. Don't feel limited to just those that have been nominated by MLB, if there is another Cub you feel more worthy, then mention them and tell everyone why.
Leave your opinion and go vote at MLB.com....My Heroes have always been baseball players, how about you?
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That is such a hard question actually. There have been so many great Cubs over the years. Up until last year I would've said Mr. Cub was leading the way. That changed when I heard Ryno's hall of fame induction speech. Not only was Ryno an amazing player, teammate, and person, but he represents everything that the game is about. He represents the purity of baseball. No scandals, no flare, no steroids, just baseball. I'm not trying to say that any of the other choices didn't mean the same things to the Cubs, but Ryno's speech is what did it for me. It was a plea to the players today asking them to understand what they are a part of. Its not about money or fame. It’s all about respect for the game.
All are great choices...very telling of the taint of the steroid era that Sosa is not on there, considering all he did in a Cubs uniform.
As big as Sosa was, in life, and in physical stature, he looked small in my eyes, when I saw a picture of him standing next to skinny Ernie Banks.
There just seems to be something natural, pure, and genuine about Mr Cub. Given the era he played in, his accomplishments were great, too. Playing half his career at SS, he was arguably the league's equivalent of ARod, long before ARod was even born.
If only more players would refrain from bashing announcers, would stop clashing with the media, would be respectful and appreciative of the incredible blessing they have to play a child's game for a living, and when done giving their all on the field, they would smile and say "let's play, two!"
I vote for Ernie Banks.
I grew up wathcing Ryno gracefully field his position, hit with the best of them, run swiftly, and most important, treat everyone with respect. He was my hero.
With that said, the best Cub of all time is Mr. Cub. 'Nuff said, conversation over, no doubt, it is Ernie Banks.
Ernie is the guy! Mr. Cub is his right nickname. The others are good, but when it comes to the greatest Cub, Ernie Banks is the guy without a doubt.