The Cubs were being rebuilt by new President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein in 2012, and the results on the field showed it. They finished 61-101, their first 100-loss season since 1966.

One of the bright spots was Bryan LaHair, who began the year as the team’s first baseman. He hit well enough in the first half — .286/.364/.519 with 14 home runs in 74 games — to be named to the National League All-Star team. And, in fact, LaHair did get into the game, grounding out to end the top of the ninth in an 8-0 NL win. He’s probably the most unlikely All-Star in Cubs history.

By that time, though, LaHair had been replaced at first base by someone you know well — Anthony Rizzo, who had been called up from Triple-A Iowa in late June. LaHair was tried in right field, at times, but started only

See Full Page