The Cubs haven't had many 40-HR hitters who are lefties during their entire franchise history. As a matter of fact there's only been one, Billy Williams who smashed 42 home runs during the 1970 season, when he finished runner-up in the National League MVP race.
Since then no left-handed hitter on the Cubs has come close to 40 home runs other than Williams himself who hit 37 in 1972. However, after blasting his 32nd long ball of the season on Friday against the Brewers, Kyle Schwarber has a chance to become the first Cubs lefty since Williams in 1970 to reach the 40 home run mark.
In his third full season in MLB, Schwarber has set a new career high in home runs. And fun fact, since June 1, he has as many dingers as Cody Bellinger, 22.
Shut up, obviously Bellinger is way better, but we're talking homers here.
Anyway, after 128 games Schwarber is on pace to hit about 39 home runs this season. His solo shot from Friday was his eighth in August. Schwarber also hit eight home runs in June.
Schwarber is heating up at the most pivotal time of the year, posting a .247/.353/.575 slash line in August and that was before hitting a double and a home run today.
Hopefully that continues in September. And who knows, maybe Schwarber joins Billy Williams in that exclusive Cubs home run club too.
