Synopsis
Few and Chosen Cubs: Defining Cubs Greatness Across the Eras by Ron Santo, co-authored with Phil Pepe and featuring a foreword by Ernie Banks and an introduction by Ryne Sandberg, is a heartfelt tribute to the Chicago Cubs’ storied history, written by one of the franchise’s most iconic figures. Published in 2005, the book reflects Santo’s deep connection to the Cubs, spanning his 14-year playing career from 1960 to 1973 and his subsequent role as a beloved WGN radio broadcaster. Santo, a nine-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove third baseman, undertakes the ambitious task of ranking the top five Cubs players at each position—catcher, first base, second base, shortstop, third base, left field, center field, right field, right-handed pitcher, left-handed pitcher, and relief pitcher—along with the top five managers and the five greatest teams in the franchise’s history. Through this lens, Santo weaves a narrative that celebrates the Cubs’ legacy while offering personal insights into the players, eras, and moments that shaped the team, all enriched with statistics, dozens of photographs, and his own experiences as a player and lifelong Cubs devotee.
The book begins with Santo’s reflections on his own journey, from his debut at age 20 in 1960 to becoming a cornerstone of the Cubs’ talented but ultimately luckless 1960s teams, alongside Hall of Famers like Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, and Ferguson Jenkins. Santo’s rankings are not merely statistical exercises; he provides detailed explanations for each selection, weighing players’ skills, contributions, and impact across different eras. For instance, at shortstop, he highlights Ernie Banks’ remarkable transition from the Negro Leagues to becoming the Cubs’ first African-American player in 1953, noting his record-breaking 44 home runs as a shortstop in 1955 and his infectious positivity that won over teammates and fans alike. Similarly, Santo praises Ryne Sandberg’s brilliance at second base, emphasizing his power, speed, and defensive prowess. The book delves into other legends like Gabby Hartnett at catcher, Hack Wilson in center field, and pitchers like Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown, blending historical analysis with Santo’s personal anecdotes, such as his locker-room camaraderie with Banks and Williams, where Banks would playfully deflect media attention to his teammates.
Santo’s narrative is infused with his unabashed love for the Cubs and their fans, whom he describes as unparalleled in their loyalty despite the team’s century-long World Series drought at the time of the book’s release. He recounts memorable moments, like the 1969 season when the Cubs led the National League East for 180 days before collapsing, overshadowed by the “Miracle Mets,” and his own iconic heel-click celebrations after victories. The book also touches on the Cubs’ earlier glory days, such as their back-to-back World Series titles in 1907 and 1908, and the challenges of later decades marked by near-misses and heartbreak. Santo’s rankings of managers, including figures like Frank Chance, and his selection of the top five teams provide a comprehensive look at the franchise’s highs and lows, from the early 20th century’s dominance to the talent-laden but underachieving squads of the 1960s and 1980s. His choices are informed by his own experiences and a deep respect for the Cubs’ tradition, though he acknowledges the difficulty of comparing players across eras, such as pitting Rogers Hornsby against Sandberg or Greg Maddux against earlier pitching greats.
The book is both a nostalgic journey for longtime Cubs fans and an accessible introduction for newer ones, offering a blend of statistical rigor and personal storytelling. Santo’s voice shines through, marked by his optimism and emotional investment in the team, qualities that later defined his broadcasting career. He shares lighthearted stories, like Banks’ humorous deflections during interviews, and poignant reflections, such as his grief over the loss of teammate Ken Hubbs in a 1964 plane crash. While some readers note a “glaring omission” in Santo’s rankings—likely a debated player exclusion—the book is widely praised for its authenticity and Santo’s credibility as a Cubs legend. Critics and fans alike appreciate the richly illustrated format and Santo’s ability to capture the essence of Cubs fandom, encapsulated in Banks’ foreword about the unique bond between the team and its supporters. Ultimately, Few and Chosen Cubs is a love letter to the Cubs, a testament to Santo’s enduring legacy, and a vivid chronicle of the players and moments that have defined “Cubs greatness” across more than a century at Wrigley Field and beyond.