[Nick Soulis]

Cooperstown League Franchise Preview - Chicago Cubs

Manager — Leo Durocher

At the helm is Hall of Fame manager Leo Durocher, one of the most fiery and demanding leaders in baseball history. Durocher brings edge, accountability, and a relentless competitive standard to this roster. He is not here to manage personalities—he is here to win. With a roster full of strong characters and high-end talent, Durocher’s presence ensures this team will play hard, play smart, and never back down from a moment.


The Ball Park



There are ballparks—and then there is Wrigley Field. Nestled at Clark and Addison, Wrigley is more than a stadium; it is a living piece of baseball history. Day games under the sun, the ivy-covered walls, and the swirling winds make it one of the most unique environments in the Cooperstown League. This Cubs club will lean into that identity—gritty, unpredictable, and deeply rooted in tradition. Opponents won’t just be facing a team; they’ll be facing the atmosphere of Wrigley itself.


Team Captain — Anthony Rizzo

The voice of the clubhouse belongs to Anthony Rizzo, the emotional and competitive leader of the 2016 World Series champions. Rizzo brings toughness, accountability, and the ability to thrive under pressure. In a clubhouse that includes intensity and volatility, he is the stabilizing force—the player who sets the tone every single day.

Position-by-Position Breakdown
Catcher

Starter: Gabby Hartnett
Backup: Jody Davis

Hartnett anchors the position as one of the greatest catchers in franchise history, combining power and leadership. Davis provides defensive stability and toughness, giving the Cubs a dependable late-game option behind the plate.

First Base

Starter: Anthony Rizzo
Reserve: Mark Grace

Rizzo brings power, leadership, and Gold Glove defense, while Grace offers elite contact hitting and situational excellence. Together, they form one of the most complete position duos on the roster.

Second Base

Starter: Ryne Sandberg

An MVP and defensive wizard, Sandberg is one of the greatest second basemen in baseball history. He provides power, speed, and elite glove work, locking down the middle infield.

Shortstop

Starter: Ernie Banks
Utility: Javier Baez

Banks, “Mr. Cub,” provides power from the shortstop position and serves as a cornerstone of the lineup. Báez adds elite defense and versatility, capable of shifting the infield dynamic late in games.

Third Base

Starter: Ron Santo
Utility: Kris Bryant

Santo brings elite defense and long-term excellence, while Bryant offers MVP-level offensive upside and positional flexibility across the field.

Outfield

Billy Williams
Sammy Sosa
Hack Wilson
Andre Dawson
Kiki Cuyler

This is a dynamic and balanced outfield group. Sosa and Wilson provide elite power, Williams and Dawson offer complete offensive profiles, and Cuyler brings speed and contact to balance the lineup. Defensively, Dawson anchors center field, giving the Cubs range and arm strength.

Utility

Ben Zobrist

Zobrist is the ultimate glue piece—capable of playing multiple positions while delivering clutch at-bats. His presence gives Durocher maximum flexibility in both lineup construction and in-game adjustments.

Starting Rotation

Greg Maddux
Ferguson Jenkins
Mordecai Brown
Kerry Wood
Jake Arrieta

This rotation blends precision, durability, and dominance. Maddux and Jenkins provide control and consistency, Brown adds historic run prevention, while Wood and Arrieta bring high-end strikeout ability and game-breaking potential.

Bullpen

Closer: Lee Smith
Setup (L): Randy Myers
Power Arm: Carlos Marmol
Long Relief: Les Lancaster
LHP Specialist: Sean Marshall
Swing LHP: Ken Holtzman

A well-structured bullpen with defined roles. Smith closes with authority, Myers and Marmol handle high-leverage situations, and Holtzman provides critical flexibility as both a long reliever and situational starter.

Team Overview
Strengths

The Cubs are built on balance and versatility. The lineup features a powerful middle core supported by high-contact hitters and speed elements, preventing it from becoming one-dimensional. Defensively, the team is strong up the middle with Sandberg, Banks, and Dawson. The pitching staff offers multiple looks, from Maddux’s precision to Wood’s overpowering strikeout ability. Perhaps most importantly, this team has leadership—both from Durocher in the dugout and Rizzo in the clubhouse.

Weaknesses

The rotation leans heavily right-handed, which could create matchup challenges despite Holtzman’s presence. The bullpen, while talented, includes high-variance arms like Marmol, which could lead to inconsistency in key moments. Additionally, several players (Wood, Bryant) carry durability concerns, meaning depth and flexibility will be tested over the course of the season.

Final Word

This Cubs team embodies controlled intensity. It has power, history, versatility, and edge. With Durocher demanding accountability and Rizzo leading the clubhouse, this is not just a talented roster—it is a dangerous one. If the pitching holds and the bullpen finds consistency, the Cubs have all the tools to be a serious contender in the Cooperstown League.