“Let’s play two!” Ever heard that? It’s the motto of a Chicago icon. We’re here to celebrate Ernie Banks.
Ernie Banks, “Mr. Cub,” embodies joy. He was a Hall of Famer. He played for the Chicago Cubs from 1953 to 1971.
Banks began with the Kansas City Monarchs. He joined the Cubs in September 1953. This marked their first African-American player.
Banks played shortstop. Later, he moved to first base in 1962. Ernie was great on defense. As a shortstop, he earned a Gold Glove in 1960. He led the league in multiple fielding stats. As first baseman, he repeated this feat.
Banks excelled with his bat. He hit over 40 homers five times. Twice, he led the league in homers. Twice, he led in RBIs. In 1970, he hit his 500th home run at Wrigley Field. He finished with 512 home runs.
He won the National League MVP twice. This was in 1958 and 1959. He was the first shortstop to win it back-to-back.
Banks played in 2,528 games. This is a Cubs record. He had 9,421 at-bats. That is another Cubs record. Also, extra-base hits and total bases are Cubs records.
He was a 14-time All-Star. Banks was named to the All-Century Team in 1999. This was alongside Honus Wagner and Cal Ripken Jr..
Sadly, the Cubs struggled during his career. They never made the playoffs. Ernie holds the record for most games without a playoff appearance.
In 1977, Banks was elected to the Hall of Fame. His number 14 was retired in 1982. He was the first Cub so honored.
His sunny attitude matched Wrigley Field. It was the “Friendly Confines.” It hosted day baseball only.
In 2008, a statue of Ernie Banks was placed outside Wrigley Field. The base reads “Let’s play two!”
Banks died in Chicago in 2015. He is buried in Graceland Cemetery. This is near Wrigley Field.
Ernie’s salary seems low today. In 1969, he earned $60,000. That’s about $424,619 today. Current players earn much more.
Even his manager admired him. Leo Durocher said, “Nice guys finish last.” But Ernie Banks was an exception. He had talent and kindness.
Ernie Banks was more than a player. He was “Mr. Cub.” He brought joy to the game. He inspired everyone he met. Remember his words. “Let’s play two!”