Get ready to celebrate, Cubs fans—the Hall of Fame just got a whole lot brighter! Three new legends are joining the ranks, and their stories are nothing short of inspiring. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: among them is Jon Lester, whose heartfelt speech this morning left us all in awe. If you haven’t watched it yet, trust me, you’ll want to—it’s a masterclass in sincerity and passion. And this is just the beginning!
Last night, the Chicago Cubs revealed the latest additions to their Hall of Fame: Jon Lester, Jody Davis, and the legendary broadcaster Vince Lloyd. Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts made the announcement, cementing their places in baseball history. But here’s the part most people miss—each of these inductees played a unique role in shaping the Cubs’ legacy, and their stories are as diverse as they are remarkable.
Jon Lester: The Unstoppable Ace
We’ve already showered Jon Lester with praise, but let’s dive a little deeper. When the Cubs signed him in 2015, they didn’t just get a pitcher—they got a cornerstone of their championship run. Over six seasons, Lester became the epitome of reliability, missing zero starts—yes, you read that right. He was a 2x All-Star, the NLCS MVP, and, of course, a World Series Champion. His postseason heroics, including his performance in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, are the stuff of legend.
Take a look at his stats:
- 2015: 32 starts, 3.34 ERA
- 2016: 32 starts, 2.44 ERA
- 2017: 32 starts, 4.33 ERA
- 2018: 32 starts, 3.32 ERA
- 2019: 31 starts, 4.46 ERA
- 2020 (partial): 12 starts, 5.16 ERA
During this stretch, no pitcher in Major League Baseball made more starts than Lester. And among the 46 pitchers who threw at least 750 innings, his 3.64 ERA ranks 18th—all while leading the Cubs out of their ‘Lovable Loser’ era. But here’s the controversial part: Was Lester’s impact purely statistical, or did his presence redefine what it meant to be a Cub? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Jody Davis: The Record-Breaking Backstop
Jody Davis may have hung up his cleats before some of us were born, but his legacy is undeniable. Acquired from the Cardinals in the 1980 Rule 5 Draft (yes, that Rule 5 Draft!), Davis became the Cubs’ starting catcher in 1981 and never looked back. Over 7.5 seasons, he smashed 122 home runs, drove in 503 RBIs, and earned 2x All-Star and Gold Glove honors. In 1986, he set an unbreakable MLB record by catching 89 baserunners stealing in a single season.
His 1984 postseason performance was equally jaw-dropping: .389/.368/.833 with two doubles, two homers, and six RBIs in just five games. But here’s the question: Is Davis underrated in Cubs history, or does he get the recognition he deserves? Share your thoughts below!
Vince Lloyd: The Voice of the Cubs
For 38 years, Vince Lloyd was the soundtrack of Cubs baseball. From the 1950s to the 1980s, his voice brought games to life on radio and TV, working alongside icons like Jack Brickhouse and Lou Boudreau. Lloyd’s dedication to the team and its fans is a testament to the power of storytelling in sports. Though he passed away in 2003 at the age of 86, his legacy lives on in every broadcast.
Final Thoughts: These three inductees—Lester, Davis, and Lloyd—represent the heart and soul of the Cubs. From the mound to the plate to the broadcast booth, they embody what it means to be a legend. But here’s the ultimate question: Who do you think should be next in the Cubs Hall of Fame? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments—your take could spark the next big debate!
