Two of the most beloved Chicago Cubs players from the late 1980s and 1990s are now officially enshrined in the team's Hall of Fame. Former first baseman Mark Grace and shortstop Shawon Dunston were inducted in a ceremony at Wrigley Field on Sept. 10, 2023.
Grace and Dunston were core members of the Cubs lineup during their decade-plus tenures with the club. Grace compiled a .308 batting average over 13 seasons on the North Side, leading MLB in hits during the 1990s. Dunston, who had cannon of an arm at shortstop, spent 11 Opening Days at the position, more than any other Cub since 1900.
The new inductees were honored with plaques along the left field concourse, joining Cubs legends like Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, and Ryne Sandberg. Grace and Dunston also participated in an on-field ceremony before Sunday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, surrounded by fellow Cubs Hall of Famers.
"It means everything to me, because this is my buddy, Mark Grace," said Dunston. "We basically came up together...He just led the way. And I tell everybody, 'I live good and I got my house paid off because of Grace.'"
Grace returned the admiration for his long-time teammate.
"I was fortunate enough to be a Cub, to be a favorite amongst the fans. And so was Shawon, because we gave them an effort for over a decade. We gave them the best we could for 162 for over a decade. And we love them as much as they loved us."
The careers of Grace and Dunston intersected in Chicago from 1988-1995 and again in 1997. Anchors of the 1989 NL East champion Cubs, they were cherished by fans for their hustle and rapport with the North Side faithful.
Their place in Cubs lore is now cemented with induction into the team's Hall of Fame. All Cubs Hall of Fame plaques can be found behind the left-field bleachers at Wrigley Field.
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