Ernie Banks
From Wiklifield
Ernest "Ernie" Banks, also known as Mr. Cub, was primarily a shortstop and first baseman for the Chicago Cubs from 1953 to 1971. He began his professional baseball career with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1950 before joining the Cubs. He was the first African-American player in Cubs history, the fifth in National League history, and the ninth in Major League Baseball history. He was the first National League player to win back-to-back MVP's. He spent the rest of his career with the Cubs, playing his final professional game September 26, 1971. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977.
Bank is the team's all-time leader in games played and at-bats and modern-day leader in RBI and hits.
Photo property of National Baseball Hall of Fame
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[edit] Profile
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Height: , Weight:
Born: January 31st, 1931 - Dallas, Texas
High School:
[edit] Seasons
[edit] 1960
Banks led the National League in home runs with 41. He won a Gold Glove for his play at SS. He hit a home run in the All Star Game.
[edit] 1959
Banks led the National League in RBI with 141. He won the National League MVP Award for the second consecutive year.
[edit] 1958
Banks led the National League in home runs with 47. He led the National League in RBI with 129. He won the National League MVP Award for the first time.
[edit] 1954
He was the runner-up for National League Rookie of the Year.
[edit] 1953
He made his major league debut September 17, 1953.
[edit] Post-Baseball
Banks' Number 14 was retired by the Cubs on August 22, 1982. He was named to the Cubs All-Century Team in 1999. After Banks spoke with Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder at a Cubs fantasy camp, Vedder wrote the song "All the Way" about the Cubs.
