Not a lot of note here

Things seem quiet in Mesa and Wrigleyville - no major injuries, spring training games rolling along, guys getting in game shape - so I thought I'd take a trip in the way-back machine and bring up one of my favorite Cub players who seems to have left the reservation: Mark Grace.

Most Cub fans of the late 80s and 90's know about Grace and his career. He was one of those guys you dropped into the 5th spot or so in the order and forgot about, until the season ended and he had put up another .300/15/85 line with 30 or 40 doubles, 170 or so hits, and excellent defense at first. (Don't believe me? Check it out.) He topped out in 1995 with .326/16/92, 180 hits and 51 doubles, good enough for an all star appearance and a Gold Glove (one of four). I was glad to see him head to Arizona and win a World Series, but really hoped that would be just a stop-off on his way back to Chicago. Alas, it doesn't seem to be in the cards, as the Cubs are happy with milk-toast announcers on TV and happy-go-lucky guys on the radio. (No offense to the Santo is Awesome group out there...)

There was some debate as to whether Grace should be in the Hall of Fame, but I agree with the linked article. If there were an Honorable Mention wing he'd be there in a second, but the stats just don't add up. (Andre Dawson? That's a different matter, but I digress...) More than the stats, though, he just came across as an aw shucks kind of player. He played hard and played right but he PLAYED - remember his pitching exploits in a 19-1 laugher? (More on that here - it's worth remembering.)

There's something to be said for a player like Grace; low maintenance, solid productivity, great clubhouse guy, and willing to not take himself too seriously. Wish the Cubs had some folks like that now! (Not to mention his left handed bat...) I have happy memories of watching Grace on lazy summer days while Harry Caray talked about some new restaurant he'd found on Wabash Ave.

Got any similar memories of non-superstar players? Add a comment and let me know. It's nice to think about on cold March days.