2016 Anthony Rizzo Highlights

The best highlights of the World Series champion Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo.

Kris Bryant MVP 2016 Highlights,

Kris Bryant received 29 of 30 first place by the BBWAA to earn the 2016 National League Most Valuable Player award. Bryant became the first Chicago Cub to win the award since Sammy Sosa in 1998. It was the 11th time a Cub has won the award. Bryant hit 39 home runs with 102 RBI this season with a slash line of .292/.385/.554/.939. His WAR (wins against replacement) was 7.7.

Bryant was the National League Rookie of the Year in 2015. Only three other players have won the MVP award the year after being Rookie of the Year (Cal Ripken Jr., Ryan Howard, and Dustin Pedroia).  The award was just icing on the cake for the young third baseman after the Cubs won their first World Series championship since 1908 this season.

Sweet-Swinging Billy Williams

Sweet Swinging Billy Williams, he was tagged early in his career with the Chicago Cubs. Williams, who was the 1961 National League Rookie of the Year made his mark in baseball history with his durability, and bat.

Williams spent sixteen seasons in the major leagues fourteen of those with the Cubs, and his last two with the Oakland Athletics. Williams was an iron man his day playing 1,117 straight games from 1963-1970. His streak currently ranks sixth in major league history. He was a six-time National League All-Star, won the battling title in 1972. He was snubbed for the All-Star game in 1970 when had a 26 home runs and 80 RBI at the all-star break.

His best season was 1972, when he hit 37 home runs with 122 RBI, and hit .333. He finished second to Johnny Bench of the Reds in the MVP voting. His career numbers of 426 home runs, 1475 RBI, and a .290 batting average were enough to get him elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987.

Often over shadowed in recent years by fellow Hall Fame players Ferguson Jenkins, Ron Santo, and Ernie Banks, but Williams was a key member of the solid Chicago Cubs teams of the late 60's and eaarly 70's.

Gentleman Jim Hickman Passes Away

Former Chicago Cubs outfielder Jim Hickman has passed away according to reports. Hickman is remembered for delivering the game winning hit in the 1970 All-Star game in which Pete Rose blew up Ray Fosse at home plate.

Hickman broke in to the big leagues with the New York Mets after being selected in the expansion draft from the St. Louis Cardinals, and played with them from 1962-66. While in New York, Hickman became the first Met to hit for the cycle, and it was Hickman that hit the last home run in the Polo Grounds. He played the 1967 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers  before being sent packing to the Chicago Cubs.

He enjoyed his most productive year in 1970 with the Cubs. Hickman blasted 32 home runs with 115 RBI, and finished with a .315 batting average. They were career highs in all three categories. He would provided the Cubs two more solid seasons before tapering off in 1973, and spent 1974 with the Cardinals.

As a young fan of the Cubs Jim Hickman was always one of my favorites among the non-star players. In my young mind, it seemed he was always delivering in the clutch. Rest in peace Gentleman Jim.

Willson Contreras Impresses

Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras has impressed at the major league level in his first week in the show. It started with slamming the first pitch he saw against the Pittsburgh Pirates for a home run, In his first week in the show Contreras has three home runs with nine RBI.He has eight hits in first 23 plate appearances with three walks, and a double.

Contreras possesses a sweet line drive type swing. He will hit the long ball, but should provide the Cubs with an extra base threat. He will not only provide the Cubs with more pop, but he has a keen eye at the plate. Last season, at AA Tennessee Contreras walked 57 times while striking out only 62.

Contreras has not only shown his ability to hit, he has been flexible in the field catching for the injured Miguel Montero, playing first base, and left field. Contreras was signed by the Cubs as an infielder, but was converted to a catcher in 2012. Being flexible in the field is something that Cubs thrive at with several players able to play multiple positions. His catching skills need some work, but he has improved with experience.

National pundits called for the Cubs to include Contreras in trades for starting pitching, or a centerfielder before the Cubs re-inked Dexter Fowler. Contreras could be a valuable asset to the Cubs in their attempt to break their World Series drought. Montero has struggled with minor injuries, and at the plate this season making the call up of Contreras important to post season run.

Chicago Cubs Rookie Willson Contreras Homers In First At-Bat:

June 19, 2016. Chicago Cubs rookie catcher Willson Contreras hits a two-run blast on the first pitch thrown to him in the Major Leagues. The home run helped lead the Cubs to a 10-5 win, and a sweep of the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates.

Ernie Banks Hits 500th Home Run

May 12, 1970. Chicago Cubs great Ernie Banks hits his 500th home run of his career off Atlanta Braves hurler Pat Jarvis. Rico Carty of the Braves retrieves the ball after it bounces back onto the field.