What are some interesting facts about the baseball career of Ernie Banks?

Answer 1

Ernie Banks ranks near the top of great Baseball heroes for the Chicago Cubs. His statistics are outstanding and it's a shame he never played in a World Series. Here's a list of his accomplishments:

* His 20/13 eyesight was a plus as a batter and fielder;

* He used a 31 ounce bat that proved that speed can make up for body strength. This is mentioned as Ernie was only 6' 1" and 180 pounds;

* Five times he topped the 40 HR number;

* Eight times he topped the 100 RBI mark;

* 13 All-Star games; and

* He was awarded two back to back MVP titles when playing with the poor performing Cubs.

Answer 2

In addition to what my colleague Chuck Siata noted below, it is worth mentioning that Ernie Banks was the first black player the Cubs ever had, when he debuted for the team in mid-September 1953. Years later, he became the first player in Cubs history to have his number retired: his No. 14 was set aside in 1982. Mr. Banks was also a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom given to him by President Obama in 2013 (only eight professional baseball players have ever been given this great honor, which is the highest civilian award in the U.S). Ernie Banks also set a number of team records during his impressive career: he remains the Cubs' all-time leader in games played (2,528), at-bats (9,421), home runs (512), total bases (4,706) and extra-base hits (1,009).