Ernie Banks
Ernie Banks: A Legendary Baseball Player and Icon of Joy
Full Name and Common Aliases
Ernest Ernest "Ernie" Banks was born on January 5, 1925, in Dallas, Texas. He is commonly referred to as "Mr. Cub" for his dedication to the Chicago Cubs organization.
Birth and Death Dates
January 5, 1925 - March 23, 2015
Nationality and Profession(s)
American | Baseball Player, Sports Broadcaster
Early Life and Background
Ernie Banks was born to Ernest and Lizzette Banks in a small apartment in Dallas's Oak Cliff neighborhood. His early life was marked by hardship, with his parents struggling to make ends meet during the Great Depression. Despite these challenges, Ernie's mother encouraged him to pursue his passion for music and baseball. He began playing the trombone at age 12 and soon became proficient on several instruments.
Banks' interest in baseball led him to move to Los Angeles in 1943 to play semi-professional ball. After serving in World War II, he joined the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League before being signed by the Chicago Cubs in 1947.
Major Accomplishments
Ernie Banks played for the Chicago Cubs from 1953 until his retirement in 1971. During his illustrious career, he achieved numerous milestones:
14 All-Star Game appearances: Ernie's consistent performance earned him a spot on the National League roster 14 times.
12 Gold Glove Awards: He won more Gold Gloves than any other position player in Cubs history.
500th Home Run Club: Banks was one of only 25 players to hit 500 home runs, reaching this milestone on June 17, 1970.Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Ernie Banks made significant contributions off the field:
Pioneering African American baseball player: As a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, Banks was an inspiration to many young athletes.
Sports broadcasting career: After retiring from baseball, he became a sports broadcaster for WGN-TV and the Cubs' flagship station.Impact and Legacy
Ernie Banks' impact on the world of baseball extends far beyond his impressive statistics. His legacy is marked by:
Breaking down racial barriers: As one of the first African American players to join the Cubs, Ernie helped pave the way for future generations.
* Inspiring a new generation: His dedication to his craft and community earned him widespread admiration from fans, players, and teammates alike.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Ernie Banks is widely quoted and remembered for his infectious enthusiasm and love of the game. As he once said:
"The joy I feel playing baseball is something that I want to share with everyone. Baseball is a way of life."
This philosophy, which guided Ernie's approach to both on-field performance and community engagement, has cemented his place in baseball history as an icon of joy and dedication.
Banks' legacy continues to inspire players, coaches, and fans alike. His commitment to the game, combined with his pioneering spirit, makes him one of the most beloved figures in baseball history.
Quotes by Ernie Banks
Ernie Banks's insights on:
I thought talking to human beings was just something that could make things complicated and unpleasant. So I didn't talk much. I just watched people.
I didn't understand anything about playing baseball. I started playing, and it was enjoyable. Most of my life, I played with older people on my team, in my league. I learned a lot about life. Every day in my life, I learned something new from somebody.
I meet a lot of people that grew up with my career and have retired, and I just want to talk to them. I like to get a feeling from them, a feeling of the old times.
We lived near a supermarket, and whatever they threw away, we would get it, and my mother would make soup. Or she would get a big can of lard, a big can of meal, a big can of flour, a big can of beans, and fix the same meal for months.
When you do things to try to help people and share things, it really comes back to you. I try to do that.
I wanted to finish my career with one team, in one city, one mayor, one park, one owner. I did that. The Wrigleys owned the team. We played all of our home games at Wrigley Field during the daytime. So my career was very unique, and I am proud of it.
I hit a home run in my first game, and they told me to go into the stands and pass my cap around. I made six dollars in nickels, dimes, and quarters.
Some people feel that because you are black you will never be treated fairly, and that you should voice your opinions, be militant about them. I don't feel this way. You can't convince a fool against his will.
I'd like to get to the last game of the World Series at Wrigley Field and hit three homers. That was what I always wanted to do.