Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz
Ernie Banks, known affectionately as “Mr. Cub,” was one of baseball’s most remarkable players. His career statistics tell the story of a revolutionary player who changed expectations for shortstops and became a Chicago Cubs legend. Here are his 10 most impressive career achievements and statistics that showcase why he remains one of baseball’s most celebrated icons.
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Back-to-Back MVP Awards Made History (1958-1959)
Banks revolutionized the shortstop position by becoming the first National League shortstop to win consecutive MVP awards. His 1958 season saw him hit .313 with 47 home runs and 129 RBIs, followed by an equally impressive 1959 campaign with 45 homers and 143 RBIs. These achievements were even more remarkable considering the Cubs’ fifth-place finishes both seasons.
Record-Breaking 47 Home Runs in 1958
In 1958, Banks set what was then the major league record for most home runs by a shortstop in a single season with 47. This unprecedented display of power from a traditionally defensive position stood as a record for decades, fundamentally changing how baseball viewed the offensive potential of shortstops.
512 Career Home Runs: A Power-Hitting Legacy
Banks concluded his career with an astounding 512 home runs, the most ever by a shortstop at the time of his retirement. This remarkable achievement came during an era before performance enhancement controversies and in the less homer-friendly confines of Wrigley Field, making it even more impressive.
Unbreakable Cubs Franchise Records
Banks’ name remains etched in Cubs history with numerous franchise records that still stand today. His 2,528 games played, 9,421 at-bats, 1,009 extra-base hits, and 4,706 total bases demonstrate his incredible durability and consistent excellence throughout his 19-year career.
11-Time All-Star at Multiple Positions
Banks’ versatility and excellence earned him 11 All-Star selections at both shortstop and first base. His remarkable streak of All-Star appearances from 1955 to 1962 showcased his ability to maintain elite performance levels while adapting to different defensive positions.
Five Seasons of 40+ Home Runs
Between 1955 and 1960, Banks achieved the remarkable feat of hitting 40 or more home runs in five different seasons. As the first shortstop to accomplish this, he revolutionized expectations for power hitting from middle infielders, changing the game forever.
Iron Man: 717 Consecutive Games
Banks’ durability was legendary, as evidenced by his National League record of 717 consecutive games played at shortstop between 1957-1961. This incredible streak earned him the nickname “Mr. Cub” and demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the game and his team.
RBI Machine: 1,636 Career RBIs
With 1,636 career RBIs and eight seasons of 100+ RBIs, Banks established himself as one of baseball’s premier run producers. His consistent ability to drive in runs during an era when middle infielders weren’t known for their offensive production makes this achievement particularly noteworthy.
2,583 Career Hits: A Cubs Legend
Banks’ 2,583 career hits rank second in Cubs history, behind only Cap Anson. This impressive total, combined with his 500+ home runs, places him in an elite group of players who achieved both milestones while playing their entire career with one team, cementing his legacy as one of baseball’s greatest players.
Cubs’ First Gold Glove Winner (1960)
In 1960, Banks made history by becoming the first Chicago Cubs player to win a Gold Glove Award. His exceptional .985 fielding percentage that season proved he was more than just a power hitter, demonstrating his complete mastery of the shortstop position and setting a defensive standard for future Cubs players.