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Banks signed with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League in 1950 and broke into the Major Leagues in 1953 with the Chicago Cubs as their first black player. He played for the Cubs his entire career, starting at shortstop and moving to first base in 1962. Initially Banks' double play partner was second baseman Gene Baker, with Steve Bilko holding down first. Cubs' announcer and home-town rooter Bert Wilson would refer to the Banks-Baker-Bilko double play combination as "Bingo to Bango to Bilko". This combination would not last quite as long as "Tinker to Evers to Chance", but Banks would become a Cubs institution. Banks became well known as "Mr. Cub," and for his catch phrase "Let's play two!" In 1955, he set the record for grand slams in a single season with five, a record that stood for over twenty years. Banks won the National League Most Valuable Player Award twice, in 1958 and 1959 despite the fact that the Cubs were not pennant contenders during the season. Jimmy Dykes reportedly remarked that, "Without him, the Cubs would finish in Albuquerque!"
On May 12, 1970 at Chicago's Wrigley Field, Banks hit his 500th home run. He finished his career with 512 home runs, and his 277 homers as a shortstop were the most ever at the time of his retirement. Banks wore number 14 as a Cub, and is the first of only four Cubs players who have had their number retired by the organization. Ernie Banks was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977 – his first year of eligibility.
This is a replica, or show, bat signed by Cubs' legend Ernie Banks. The center label of the bat is stamped in the manner of the 1951-57 Adirondack labeling period. The bat, 34 inches in length and weighing approximately 31 ounces, is in mint condition. It has been boldly signed by Ernie Banks in black Sharpie on the sweet spot. The signature is clear and unhurried, and measures over four inches in length. The signature reads:
Ernie Banks 512 HRs
The signature was authenticated by PSA/DNA on 2/22/08 in San Francisco, California and bears PSA/DNA certification number G78730 and rates a perfect 10 grade. View Lot Detail page
On May 12, 1970 at Chicago's Wrigley Field, Banks hit his 500th home run. He finished his career with 512 home runs, and his 277 homers as a shortstop were the most ever at the time of his retirement. Banks wore number 14 as a Cub, and is the first of only four Cubs players who have had their number retired by the organization. Ernie Banks was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977 – his first year of eligibility.
This is a replica, or show, bat signed by Cubs' legend Ernie Banks. The center label of the bat is stamped in the manner of the 1951-57 Adirondack labeling period. The bat, 34 inches in length and weighing approximately 31 ounces, is in mint condition. It has been boldly signed by Ernie Banks in black Sharpie on the sweet spot. The signature is clear and unhurried, and measures over four inches in length. The signature reads:
Ernie Banks 512 HRs
The signature was authenticated by PSA/DNA on 2/22/08 in San Francisco, California and bears PSA/DNA certification number G78730 and rates a perfect 10 grade. View Lot Detail page