A look back at 10 memorable Glenn Beckert games

Glenn Beckert was not Ryne Sandberg.

He wasn't Billy Herman or Johnny Evers or Rogers Hornsby.

But history does tell us Beckert was one of the best second basemen ever to play for the Cubs.

Beckert, who played for the Cubs from 1965-73, passed away in Florida Sunday morning. A four-time all-star, he was 79.

With a big assist from SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) author Mark Sternman and Baseball Reference, here is a look at 10 memorable Beckert games:

1. April 12, 1965

Beckert played his first game for the Cubs, against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field.

Welcome to the show - his major-league debut came against St. Louis ace starting pitcher Bob Gibson.

Batting leadoff, the 24-year-old Beckert faced the Hall of Famer twice and struck out twice, no shame in that. He did get his first hit, a single off Cards reliever Ron Taylor, on his third trip to the plate.

2. July 1, 1965

Beckert only hit 22 home runs in 1,320 career games with the Cubs and Padres, but he went deep twice against the Dodgers at Wrigley.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder homered against Johnny Podres in the fourth inning and Ron Perranoski in the seventh.

3. Sept, 11, 1966

In Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Giants at Candlestick Park, Beckert was 2-for-4, extending his hitting streak to 20 games.

He was 0-for-4 in Game 2 vs. San Francisco.

4. April 11, 1967

In a 4-2 Opening Day win over the Phillies at Wrigley Field, Beckert hit a home run off Ruben Gomez and also stole home with Hall of Famer Jim Bunning on the mound for Philadelphia.

5. June 9, 1967

Beckert went 3-for-4 in a 6-5 win over the Mets and then left the Cubs for two weeks to serve his commitment as a reservist in the Vietnam War.

6. July 22, 1968

A 2-for-5 showing against the Giants at Candlestick Park extended Beckert's hitting streak to 27 games.

He went 0-for-5 at San Francisco the next day to end it.

7. Aug. 19, 1969

Beckert's solid glove was on display in Ken Holtzman's no-hitter against the Braves at Wrigley.

After making two highlight plays earlier in the game to retire Felipe Alou, Beckert ranged to his right and threw out Hank Aaron at first base to end the game.

8. Aug. 8, 1971

After going 7-for-9 in a doubleheader vs. the Giants, Beckert hiked his batting average to .357, tops in the National League.

He finished the season third in the NL with a .342 average, behind the Cardinals' Joe Torre (.363) and the Braves' Ralph Garr (.343). The Pirates' Roberto Clemente was fourth at .341 and Aaron was fifth with a .327 batting average.

9. Oct. 1, 1973

In his final at-bat with the Cubs, Beckert pinch-hit with one on and one out in the ninth inning and lined into a double play against the Mets.

After the season, he was traded to the Padres.

10. April 27, 1975

In the final game of his career, Beckert was 0-for-1 for San Diego in a 4-1 loss to the Braves.

Slowed by an arm injury, he was released by the Padres the next day.