As noted by the Chicago Cubs Online blog, MLB.com is running a "Hometown Heroes" vote for each major league team. The vote allows fans to vote for one all-time player from each team. Each team has five nominees. The Cubs' nominees are: Ernie Banks, Ferguson Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg, Ron Santo, and Billy Williams.

But what are we voting on? The MLB press release indicates that it is something other than just best player:

This multi-faceted program was created to recognize those players who most embody the legacy of Major League Baseball and each respective franchise's history. Beginning July 18, fans will have the opportunity to vote for the most outstanding player in the history of each MLB franchise based on specific criteria that makes the winner deserving of being called a hero.

The release goes on to note that nominees were selected based on "on-field performance, leadership quality and character value." That's why we don't see Sammy Sosa, who rivals Banks for best on-field performance, on the ballot. It's also likely why we see Jenkins instead of Mordecai Brown. While Jenkins was great, Brown was better, but Brown has escaped our collective memory while Jenkins still holds a place there.

I would be shocked if Banks did not win this vote.