A few of my good friends, my older brother, and I (all Cubs fans) were watching a Cubs/Brewers game a month ago. We started naming obscure Cubs players from the past two decades. It was all pretty much out of comedic purposes. Out of the many we came up with, here are the top 10.
10. Henry Rodriguez
Most notable for his '98 season. Fans would throw "Oh Henry" bars onto the field whenever he hit a home run.
9. Steve Buechele
I remember him more for his thick blonde shaggy hair. He did hit a few solo home runs though.
8. Scott Servais
He was more or less just an average baseball player that could catch. But he was the first guy to shake Mark McGwire's hand after McGwire's record-breaking 62nd home run in 1998.
7. Steve Trachsel
Most notably known for throwing the pitch to McGwire that broke Roger Maris' single season home run record. He didn't have much success for the Cubs but went ahead and did fairly well for the Mets.
- B/R Ticket Guide
6. Mickey Morandini
Mostly obscure because of his name. He had long dark hair that carried over to the Cubs from the Phillies franchise. He's now a high school baseball coach.
5. Felix Heredia
Like the other obscure players, he didn't have much success with the Cubs. He was also the 11th player to be suspended for steroids.
4. Brian McRae
The son of Hal McRae (most notably known for his tirade in his office). McRae was more of a journeyman.
3. Rey Sanchez
I remember Sanchez more for getting a high infield pop fly hit to him and Harry Caray saying, "He's never missed one of these in his life," only for Sanchez to drop the ball and Steve Stone saying, "He just did!"
2. Tuffy Rhodes
I debated whether or not Rhodes should be number one. Rhodes was the first player to hit three opening day home runs in the major leagues. Rhodes only hit five more the rest of the year. He's now playing professional baseball in Japan for the Orix Buffaloes with much success. He is a co-owner of the Japanese League single season home run record.
1. Turk Wendell
Wendell was all obscure in himself. First of all, there's his name and average success. Wendell was known to insist that the umpire roll the ball to him on the ground. If the umpire would not, Wendell would bump the ball off his chest or let it go by him, then go pick it up off the ground.
Wendell would often brush his teeth in the dugout. When he went to the mound, he would wave at the center fielder and wouldn't stop until the center fielder would wave back. Wendell was very popular with Mets fans after he was traded from Chicago.
There are definitely more obscure Cub players in the past two decades especially. Go ahead and name some more if you can think of some. There may be some that I haven't even thought of.
comments (4) write a comment »
write a new comment
about 1 month ago
Kyle, awesome job and my Pick of the Day! I love these articles that bring me back to Cubs history, and no name resonates with me more than Henry Rodriguez! I could read this a thousand times and still enjoy it it just as much!
Great work!
from about 1 month ago
Sam, I really appreciate that!! Thanks a lot!!
about 1 month ago
I love the article. My friends and I sit around all the time just throwing out names of old Cubs players. Augie Ojeda can always make you laugh...haha....or more recent ones like Jose Macias and Neifi Perez!
from about 1 month ago
haha Augie Ojeda is definitely a good one, Rick Aguilera and Kevin Foster too. Another one of my favorites would probably have to be Ricky Guitierrez (sp?).
write a new comment