The Chicago Cubs: Hall of Famers or Hall of Hopefuls?
Ah, the Chicago Cubs. A team steeped in history, with a fan base both passionate and...well, let's just say they've seen some things. One of the things they've seen a lot of (besides heartbreak, but we'll get to that later) is a revolving door of talented players. But how many of these stars have achieved baseball's ultimate honor: enshrinement in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown? Let's grab a Wrigley Field hot dog (hold the mystery meat) and dig into the numbers.
Hold on, Isn't There a Cubs Hall of Fame Already?
You'd be forgiven for thinking so, my friend. Wrigley Field boasts its own "Walk of Fame," with a collection of legendary Cubs immort…er, I mean, honored. But this is a different breed of cat (pun intended) altogether. The National Baseball Hall of Fame is the big leagues, the baseball Valhalla, where only the true titans of the game reside.
So, How Many Cubs Crack the Cooperstown Code?
Here's where things get interesting. The official tally, as of today, May 8th, 2024, sits at a respectable 17. That's a fair haul, considering the Cubs haven't exactly been drowning in World Series champagne (although, 2016 was a good year!). But here's the kicker: some folks might argue that number should be a bit higher. Names like Ron Santo and Ferguson Jenkins come to mind. These Cubs legends put up Hall of Fame-worthy numbers, but for various reasons, haven't quite gotten the nod yet.
Is There a Hall of Fame Waiting List?
Not exactly, but there is a voting process. A committee of baseball writers, historians, and other assorted baseball brains cast their ballots each year. If a player gets enough votes, they get a plaque in Cooperstown. It's a bit like a high school popularity contest, but with more mullets and fewer awkward dances (hopefully).
So, What's the Verdict?
The Chicago Cubs have a rich history filled with incredible players, some of whom have earned baseball's highest honor. Will more Cubs join them in the future? Only time (and maybe a few more World Series appearances) will tell. But one thing's for sure: Cubs fans wouldn't trade their team's colorful past, Hall of Famers or not, for anything (except maybe a guarantee they won't have to sweat out the ninth inning ever again).
