Ernie Banks

(1953 - 1971)

jjjjjErnie Banks was born on January 31, 1931, in Dallas, Texas. During his playing days he was 6' 1" and weighed 180 pounds. He was nicknamed "Mr. Cub" because he was with the Chicago Cubs for his entire career. He started playing baseball in 1953 and played for 19 years. He was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1977. He had a total of 296 homeruns in his career, five times hitting over 40 in a single season. Ernie received the Most Valuable Player award in both 1958 and 1959. He also led the league's shortstops in fielding three times and, after he started playing first base in 1962, led all first basemen in putouts five times. Before his retirement in 1971, he was voted the Greatest Cub Player of All Time.

jjjjjCub fans will always remember him as the ballplayer who said, "What a great day for baseball. Let's play two!" He truly was one of the greatest ball players and his fans loved him.

 

Career Statistics

Games
At-Bats
Runs
Hits

Doubles

Triples

Home Runs
Walks
Strike outs
Average
RBIs
2,528
9,421
1,305
2,583
407
90
512
763
1,236
.247
1,636

 

National League MVP in 1958 and 1959

Career batting average of .274

Played a total of 2,528 games

763 runs batted in with a total of 9,421 at bats

2,583 total hits

ML single season mark for home runs in a season - 47