Baseball Legends: Ernie Banks (Cubs 1953-1971)

Cool Papa Bell signed Ernie Banks to a contract for the Kansas City Monarchs in 1950 at age 19. He returned to them after two years in the army, where the Cubs discovered him at the end of the 1953 season. Ernie Banks, “Mr. Cub”, was the first black player for the Chicago Cubs.

Ernie Banks broke into the majors in quiet fashion in 1954 with 19 home runs in his first full season. His second full season ended in grand fashion when the spindly-looking Banks took a letter-high fastball out of Busch stadium off of Lindy McDaniel for his fifth grand slam of the year, setting a new record for most grand slams in a season. Neither Gehrig nor Ruth had ever hit that many grand slams in one season. Banks’ record stood until the 1987 when Don Mattingly hit six grand slams in one season, the only slams of his career. Travis Hafner tied Mattingly’s record in 2006.

Banks’ grand slam record was set in the same tone as many of his other achievements. The Cubs blew a five-run lead to lose the game and there was no celebration. Banks finished the season with 44 home runs, breaking the record for home runs by a shortstop in one year. He went on to hit 512 home runs for Cub teams that continued to be at the bottom of the standings. He was the NL MVP in 1958 and 1959, while the Cubs finished fifth and sixth, respectively. “Without him, the Cubs would finish in Albuquerque.” — Jimmie Dykes.

Initially, a less than stellar fielder, he committed only 12 errors in 1959, then a record for shortstops, and led NL shortstops in fielding in both 1960 (Gold Glove) and 1961. He later moved to first base when injuries limited his range. Banks won the fielding title at his new position in 1969, and led NL first basemen in assists five times.

“His wrists are the secret of his success. Instead of taking the big Ruthian type swing of the lively ball era, he swings his bat as if it were a buggy whip, striking at the ball with the reflexive swiftness of a serpent’s tongue.” – Bill Furlong in Baseball Stars of 1959.

From 1955 to 1960, Banks hit more homers than anyone in the majors, including Mantle, Mays, and Aaron. He was named to the All Star team eleven times including eight consecutive years (1955-1962). He is also one of the few Hall of Famers never to get into postseason play.

He is known for saying, “It’s a great day for a ball game; let’s play two!” He defined Cubs Park as “The beautiful confines of Wrigley Field”.

Banks was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977 with 83.81% of the vote.

See Banks’ career statistics at baseball-reference.com.

Written by Bill at the Golden Age of Baseball Cards.