6 Baseball Players who Played for Cleveland and Chicago Cubs
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Cleveland Guardians (formerly Indians) and the Chicago Cubs.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found a player who played for both Cleveland and the Chicago Cubs.
Popular Choices
Jason Kipnis
Jason Kipnis, who played from 2011 to 2020, is most recognized for his time as a second baseman with the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians), but finished his career with one season with the Cubs.
Kipnis demonstrated notable versatility at the plate, notching over 1100 hits, 126 home runs, and 136 stolen bases in his career. He was a two-time All-Star (Indians) and played a significant role in the Indians reaching the 2016 World Series.
His success in Cleveland combined with his recency with the Cubs (2020) will make Kipnis a popular pick here.
*Kipnis was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 98).
Kenny Lofton
Kenny Lofton, known for his speed and prowess in the outfield started his professional career in 1991 with the Houston Astros. His breakout season came only one year later with the Indians when he led the American League with 66 stolen bases.
Lofton was an integral part of the Cleveland Indians’ success in the 1990s. His speed and base-stealing abilities at the top of the lineup, combined with his exceptional defense in center field, made him a cornerstone of the team that won six division titles from 1995 to 2001.
Over his 17-year career, Lofton played for several teams (11 in total), including the Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, and San Francisco Giants. He had a career batting average of .299, scored over 1,500 runs, and stole over 600 bases. Lofton’s stellar career also includes four Gold Glove awards and six All-Star selections.
Lofton Key Stats
- All-Star (Indians, Braves)
- Gold Glove (Indians)
- 30+ Stolen Base Season (Indians, Dodgers)
- 200+ Hit Season (Indians)
- .300 Average Season (Indians, Braves, Cubs, Phillies, Dodgers, Rangers)
Rare Choices
Joe Carter
When I hear Joe Carter I still picture him in a Toronto Blue Jays uniform running the bases after hitting a walk-off home run to win the World Series in 1993.
In addition to the Blue Jays, Joe Carter played for 5 other teams over his 16 year career – the Indians (now Guardians), Padres, Cubs, Giants and Orioles.
The five-time All-Star (all with the Blue Jays) led the league in RBIs with 121 in 1986 while playing with the Cleveland Indians.
Ultra Rare Choices
Heathcliff Slocumb
You may remember Heathcliff Slocumb as a relief pitcher with the Phillies and Red Sox in the 90s, but he was a bit of a journeyman playing for 8 teams over the course of 10 years. (Cubs, Phillies, Cardinals, Red Sox, Mariners, Padres, Indians (now Guardians), Orioles)
He was a solid reliever with some good seasons and even an all-star appearance while with the Phillies in 1995.
However, he might be best known in baseball lore for being traded from the Red Sox to the Mariners in 1997 for Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek, a deal that later appeared very lopsided in Boston’s favor.
Rich Hill
Rich Hill is an Immaculate Grid beast. The left-handed pitcher has played for 13 different clubs over his incredible 19-year career – one that is still ongoing as I’m writing this (he’s currently pitching with the Padres).
Hill’s MLB journey began when he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2002. After making his major league debut in 2005, he had initial success with the Cubs, particularly in 2007 when he had a standout season. However, injuries, inconsistency, and command issues led to him bouncing around the minors and various MLB teams for several years.
After refining his pitching approach and mechanics, he experienced a career resurgence starting in 2015. At an age when many players see diminished returns, Hill became one of the most effective starters in baseball. This late-career renaissance led to stints with the Red Sox, Athletics, Dodgers, Twins, and Rays.
Mark Grudzielanek
Mark Grudzielanek, who played from 1995 to 2010, spent his career with several teams, including the Dodgers, Expos, Cubs, Royals, Indians (now Guardians) and Cardinals.
A versatile infielder known for his reliable glove and solid hitting, Grudzielanek amassed over 2,000 hits and earned a Golden Glove in 2006 with the Royals.
He had a standout season in 1996 when he hit .306 with the Expos, and he earned an All-Star appearance in 1996. One year later (still with Expos), he led the majors with 54 doubles.
