The Top 100 Cubs of all time: No. 99, Warren Hacker

Warren Hacker, a right-handed pitcher from the small town of Marissa, Illinois, had a career with the Chicago Cubs that ranged from promising to disappointing. Acquired by the Cubs in 1948, Hacker didn't become a key player for the team until 1952, when he had a standout season. Over 33 games that year, Hacker posted a 15-9 record, a 2.58 ERA, and a WHIP of 0.958, earning him a spot in the 22nd MVP voting despite the Cubs finishing with a 77-77 record.

That season, Hacker also threw a five-hit complete game against the Phillies and led the league with 38 home runs allowed, a record that remains unbroken today. Despite his early success, Hacker's following years were plagued by injuries, poor coaching, and lack of support, leading to a downward spiral in his performance. In a 1955 game against the Braves, Hacker came close to history when he almost threw a no-hitter until George Crowe's solo home run in the ninth inning.

Hacker was eventually traded to Cincinnati after the 1956 season, and he continued to play in the majors until 1961, spending his time with various teams before retiring in 1967. He then became a minor-league pitching coach for the Athletics and Padres organizations before passing away in 2002 at the age of 77 in Lenzburg, Illinois.

Hacker's nine-season stint with the Cubs gave him a total of 13.5 bWAR, placing him at No. 99 on the all-time list.