Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz
Ernie Banks, affectionately known as “Mr. Cub,” carved out a legacy that’s as grand as the ivy walls of Wrigley Field itself. His career, marked by towering home runs and an infectious enthusiasm for the game, made him a beloved figure in baseball lore. Banks wasn’t just a player; he was a beacon of joy and passion in the sport, encapsulating the pure love of the game with his famous saying, “Let’s play two!”
Don't lose this article. Enter your email below, and I'll send it to you right now. Plus, we'll send you other unbelievable stories from baseball's past.
Let’s relive some of the achievements and moments that defined this legendary career.
Making History: First African American Player for the Cubs
On September 17, 1953, Ernie Banks made history as the first African American player to take the field for the Chicago Cubs. He went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in the Cubs 16-4 loss to the Phillies.
He would go on to play 10 games in 1953, finishing with a .314 average and a .571 slugging percentage.
Rookie of the Year Runner-Up
In 1954, Ernie Banks made waves in his first full MLB season, hitting .275 with 19 homers, 79 RBIs, and an NL-leading 154 games played. He barely missed out on the Rookie of the Year, finishing second to Wally Moon.
Despite missing out on the hardware, he put the entire league on notice. A star was born.
Fourteen-Time National League All-Star
Banks proved his star power with fourteen National League All-Star team selections, including 11 straight from 1955-1962. This was due to the All-Star game being played twice annually for some years.
In his 14 appearances, Banks hit .303, proving his place amongst the game’s best.
Back-to-Back National League MVP: 1958-1959
Ernie Banks achieved something extraordinary in 1958 and 1959, clinching the National League MVP award in consecutive years, the first player in baseball history to do so.
In 1958, he blew folks away with a .313 average, 47 home runs, and 129 RBIs. He followed that up in 1959 with a .304 average, 45 homers, and 143 RBIs.
More Than A Power Hitter: Taking Home The Gold Glove
After dominating the National League with his bat in ’58 and ’59, Ernie Banks showed the world he was more than just a great hitter. In 1960, he snagged the Gold Glove award, proving himself as a top-notch defender at shortstop. This accolade solidified Banks’ reputation as one of the game’s most well-rounded players.
500th Career Home Run Milestone
Ernie Banks achieved baseball immortality on May 12, 1970, when he hammered his 500th career home run off Braves pitcher Pat Jarvis.
He would finish his storied career with 512 home runs, tied with Eddie Mathews for 23rd all-time.
The End of a Career
Ernie Banks retired in 1971, ending one of the most legendary careers in Chicago Cubs franchise history. His number 14 was the first number retired by the Cubs, proving that he was a beloved figure who earned his Mr. Cub nickname.
When his 19-year career was over, Banks finished with a .274 batting average, 512 home runs, 1,636 RBIs, 14 All-Star selections, a Gold Glove, and 2 MVP awards.
The Call to the Hall
Following his retirement, Ernie Banks’ contribution to baseball was immortalized when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977 with 83.8% of the vote. His induction was not just a testament to his incredible skill on the field, but also his enduring impact on the sport, cementing his status as a true baseball legend.
Presidential Medal of Freedom
After hanging up his cleats, Ernie Banks didn’t just fade into the annals of baseball history; he continued to shine off the field. In 2013, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, confirming his status not only as a baseball legend but also as an exemplary American citizen. This honor, the nation’s highest civilian award, spotlighted Banks’ contributions beyond baseball, including his charity work and his role in the civil rights movement. It was a crowning achievement that celebrated his lifelong commitment to excellence and community service, reminding fans everywhere that Mr. Cub was not only one of the greatest hitters in the history of the game but also a towering figure in American culture.