Ernie Banks
Birth Name:
Ernest Banks
Birth Place:
Dallas, Texas, United States
Profession
Actor, Soundtrack, Music department
Fast Facts
- Was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2013
- Was one of three shortstops, along with Honus Wagner and Cal Ripken, Jr․, to be named to Major League Baseball's All-Century Team in 1999
- Became the first shortstop and the ninth player overall to hit 500 home runs during his career on May 12, 1970
- Was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977
- Spent two years serving in the U․S․ Army
- Made his debut with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1950, and when he sold his contract to the Chicago Cubs in 1953, he became the first African-American player for the franchise
- Quote: "I wanted to finish my career with one team, in one city, one mayor, one park, one owner․ I did that ․․․ So my career was very unique and I am proud of it․"
- Best known as a former professional baseball player who played first base for the Chicago Cubs and is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time
- Played for the Chicago Cubs from 1953 to 1971, starting out as a shortstop and switching to first base in 1962
- Known as "Mr․ Cub" and possessing a joyous disposition, he could often be heard uttering his signature line: "There's sunshine, fresh air, and the team's behind us․ Let's play two․"