Retiring number 31

Earlier the Cubs announced that they would be retiring the number 31 in honor of Greg Maddux and Ferguson Jenkins. Everywhere I've read, people have been excited about this, but I want to try to play devil's advocate here. When I went to UT, the University began renaming streets. They started with Peyton Manning. But, then the next year when the Vols actually won a championship under Tee Martin, it bacame evident that they needed to name a street after him as well. Then they named one after Phil Fulmer. With that, though, they had to be fair to other sports, so we also have a Todd Helton and Chamiqua Holdsclaw street. So, in the four years I was there we had 5 streets renamed. It was great during that time, but it seems like it waters down the honor. I feel like the cubs may be doing this with retired numbers.

I'm not sure why I'm so worried with this, because I think the Hall of Fame is too exclusive. But, I feel like to retire a number, you have to, not only be a great player, but you have to be a career player for your team (or at least most of your career). Banks, Santo, Williams and Sandberg are career Cubs, minus a few years at the twilight of Santo and Williams' careers. But Maddux really earned his Hall of Fame spot as a Brave. And Fergie played 10 seasons as a Cub and 10 seasons not a Cub. I love both of these guys, but to me, in this case, we're rewarding great players who are not as synonomous as Cubs as the other retired members.

One that I do think needs to be retired is Gabby Hartnett. He was a catcher for the Cubs in the 20s, 30s and 40s and also managed for the Cubs. He was in 4 of the Cubs' World Series appearances and was responsible for the "homer in the gloamin," which is considered one of the greatest moments in Cubs history. Before Johnny Bench, Hartnett was considered the greatest National League catcher all time. And, he minus two seasons with the giants at the end of his career, he was a life long Cub. I don't understand why he hasn't got the nod.

I'd like to hear what other people think