Editor's note: This story was initially published in late 2019 as part of an MLB.com series on cult heroes for each ballclub.

CHICAGO -- The flags that fly atop the foul poles at Wrigley Field feature the most recognizable numbers in Cubs history -- digits no player will don again on the North Side. There is No. 10 for Ron Santo and No. 14 for Ernie Banks. Ryne Sandberg's No. 23 ripples

CHICAGO -- Teams can reel in star players via free-agent contracts or swing blockbuster trades, but the backbone of building a roster begins with the MLB Draft. The Cubs' Draft history began in 1965 (highlighted by the selection of lefty Ken Holtzman) and there have been plenty of boons and

CHICAGO -- The Cubs' all-time picks in the MLB Draft range from a National League MVP to plenty who never saw The Show. There are All-Stars and October heroes, as well as cup-of-coffee players you probably have forgotten. Going back to the first June selection process in 1965, here is

CHICAGO -- The ballpark at the corner of Clark and Addison opened its doors more than a century ago. With its ivy-covered walls and manual scoreboard, Wrigley Field has become a beloved piece of baseball's landscape and the game's history. Designated as a National Historic Landmark last year, Wrigley Field

CHICAGO -- History goes hand in hand with the Cubs, whose beginnings can be traced back to the 19th century. And within all that history has been a wealth of arms, setting records and winning awards and earning plaques in the Hall of Fame. With more than 21,000 games and

Who are the best players born on each day of the year? We have a list for every day on the calendar. Here’s a subjective ranking of the top five for Jan. 12.

CHICAGO -- The Cubs have enjoyed plenty of legendary home runs throughout the franchise’s long history. Slammin’ Sammy Sosa dropped jaws as he rewrote the team’s record book. Glenallen Hill famously sent a ball to a rooftop beyond Waveland Ave. Dave Kingman launched some prodigious blasts. There are some unofficial

CHICAGO -- The Baseball Hall of Fame is full of all-time great Cubs. When Lee Smith gained entry most recently, he joined an impressive class that includes the likes of Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo, Ryne Sandberg and Fergie Jenkins. The list goes on, but could it have been

CHICAGO -- Some Major League debuts take place after a player has climbed an organizational ladder amid the prospect hype machine, reaching the main stage with the spotlight fixed on their every move. Others feature performances that seemingly come out of nowhere -- an unheralded player suddenly reaching cult hero

CHICAGO -- There were jokes about the Cubs becoming the Phillies West after Dallas Green left Philadelphia to become Chicago's general manager. Given the number of trades between the teams, plus the coaches and staff who changed clubs, the quips had some merit. But Green was brought on board to

CHICAGO – It has now become a part of the traditions associated with Wrigley Field. In the immediate wake of a Cubs home win, the “W” flags are unfurled throughout the stands and fans join together in song before hitting the ballpark’s exits. The crowd belts out the lines to

CHICAGO -- When a franchise has been around as long as the Cubs and has a history full of iconic achievements and legendary players, it is a tall task to zero in on a defining list of the greatest moments for the ballclub. That will not stop us from trying.

CHICAGO -- The Rule 5 Draft is an avenue for enhancing the depth of a roster or perhaps finding a hidden gem. For a team like the Cubs with such a long franchise timeline, there has been a little of everything over the decades. • How the Rule 5 Draft

Who are the best players born on each day of the year? We have a list for every day on the calendar. Here’s a subjective ranking of the top five for Oct. 7. 1) Mookie Betts (1992) One of the best all-around talents in the game, Betts was selected by

Who are the best players born on each day of the year? We have a list for every day on the calendar. Here’s a subjective ranking of the top five for Sept. 26. 1) Bobby Shantz (1925) The 1952 American League Most Valuable Player after winning 24 games for Philadelphia

Who are the best players born on each day of the year? We have a list for every day on the calendar. Here’s a subjective ranking of the top five for Sept. 25:

Who are the best players born on each day of the year? We have a list for every day on the calendar. Here’s a subjective ranking of the top five for Sept. 23:

Ryne Sandberg may have been the player most responsible for transforming the Chicago Cubs from a farce to force. Sandberg’s overwhelming 1984 performance led the Cubs to the National League East title, which propelled them to the postseason for the first time since 1945. Chicago qualified for the postseason only

A version of this story originally ran in December 2021.

Let’s look back at some of the biggest Winter Meetings moves in Cubs history. While this is hardly the definitive list of such transactions, here are five of the most notable Meetings maneuverings by Chicago over the years. 1. Lester chooses Cubs, changes culture The Cubs were a young, up-and-coming,

The Cubs have thrown 18 no-hitters in franchise history. The team has employed 14 pitchers who went on to make the Hall of Fame, but none of them are on that short list of those who threw no-nos for the club. All-time greats Fergie Jenkins, Pete Alexander and Mordecai "Three

Ron Santo will forever have a place in the hearts of Cubs fans for his dynamic play on the field and then his passion in the broadcast booth. And while it took time, Santo will forever have a home in baseball's Hall of Fame. Santo was inducted posthumously into the

There are a few select bullpen forefathers who paved the way for baseball's era of late-inning specialization. Bruce Sutter, who passed away at 69, is on that short list of arms who blazed the trail for today's closers. Sutter was a workhorse closer of the 1970s and '80s who, along

Hall of Famers. Prolific home run hitters. Critical pieces to World Series champions. Each of those descriptions fit players who were added via trade throughout the Cubs' long and storied history. With such a wealth of history, it is a daunting task to try to identify the best trades in