National League MVP Awards
Seven moments of brilliance that defined eras despite the long wait for glory.
The National League Most Valuable Player Award stands as the pinnacle of individual recognition within the league, honoring the player deemed most indispensable to their team's success during the regular season. For the Chicago Cubs, this accolade represents a rare but celebrated thread in a tapestry often woven with heartbreak and resilience. While the franchise has endured long droughts between championships, the MVP award serves as a beacon of individual brilliance that transcends team fortunes, highlighting eras where Cub players dominated the league's conversation.
- League Affiliation
- National League
- First Cubs Winner
- 1935
- Total Wins by Franchise
- 7
- Most Recent Winner
- 2016
- Notable Multi-Time Winners
- Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg
Lore & Background
The modern era brought renewed hope with Ryne Sandberg's victories in 1984 and 1987, anchoring a team that finally broke through to the playoffs. The most recent chapter was written by Kris Bryant in 2016, a season of redemption where his all-around excellence helped guide the Cubs to their first World Series title in over a century. These awards are not just statistics; they are testaments to players who excelled even when the odds were stacked against them, proving that individual greatness can shine brightest in the darkest times.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled off Lake Michigan, whipping through the empty seats of Wrigley Field as the sun dipped below the bleachers. In the dugout, a young slugger tightened his gloves, the leather creaking under the pressure of expectation. He looked out at the diamond, where the chalk lines seemed to stretch into infinity. He knew the trophy was just wood and metal, but the weight it carried—the hope of millions—was heavier than any bat he had ever swung. Tonight, the city didn't care about the standings; they cared about the legend being written in real-time.
Reader's Guide
The National League MVP Award for Chicago Cubs players is a record of individual excellence that often defied the team's overall struggles. The first winner, Gabby Hartnett, achieved this honor in 1935, leading the Cubs to a pennant and showcasing his dual threat as a catcher and hitter.
Decades later, Ernie Banks redefined what it meant to be a Cub legend. Winning consecutively in 1958 and 1959, Banks became the first player in Major League history to win the award with two different teams (though he won both with Chicago). His victories were remarkable because they occurred during years when the Cubs finished near the bottom of the league standings, proving his value was undeniable regardless of the team's record.
Ryne Sandberg revitalized the franchise in the 1980s, capturing the MVP in 1984 and again in 1987. His defensive wizardry at second base combined with surprising power at the plate made him a complete player who led the Cubs to their first division title since 1945. Finally, Kris Bryant's 2016 award capped off a historic season where he was instrumental in breaking the 'Curse of the Billy Goat,' delivering the championship that had eluded the franchise for 108 years.
These achievements remain significant because they highlight players who elevated their game to an elite level even when the surrounding roster or management failed. They serve as enduring reminders that individual brilliance can persist through decades of heartbreak.
Did You Know?
- Ernie Banks was the first player in MLB history to win the MVP award in consecutive seasons with the same team.
- Gabby Hartnett's 1935 MVP season included his famous 'Homer in the Gloamin'' that clinched a pennant spot.
- Ryne Sandberg is one of only three second basemen in National League history to win multiple MVP awards.
- Kris Bryant was the first Cub since Ernie Banks to win the award, ending a 29-year drought for the franchise.