Chicago Cubs: Remembering Ernie Banks two years after his death

Two years ago today marks the passing of legendary Chicago Cubs shortstop and first baseman, Ernie Banks.

Few players in baseball history exemplify the love of the game quite like Ernie Banks did. He had an unwavering passion for the sport and his team. The Chicago Cubs icon was the embodiment of everything baseball players should strive to be today.

Ernie Banks was famously nicknamed “Mr. Cub,” and appropriately so. You’d be hard-pressed to find a Chicago Cubs player as beloved by its fans as Banks. His professional baseball career started in 1950 when he played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues. In 1951 he was drafted by the United States Army and served in the Korean War for two two years. After completing his service, Banks returned to the Kansas City Monarchs in 1953 and finished the season with them.

On September 17, 1953, Banks began his Major League Baseball career after signing with the Chicago Cubs. In doing so, he became the first African-American to ever play for the team. In 10 games with the club during his debut season, Banks hit .314 with two home runs and six RBI.

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1958 would prove to be Banks’ most impressive season, of which there were many. He hit .313 with a whopping 47 home runs and 129 RBI, earning the NL MVP award for that year. In 1959 Banks won the NL MVP again, highlighted by an astounding 143 RBI. He was the first National League player to win the MVP award twice in a row.

Hall of Fame induction

In 1977, Ernie Banks was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. It was his first year of eligibility. In his 19-year career, Banks hit .274 (2,583 hits) with 512 home runs and 1,636 RBI. During his 19 seasons, Banks was named an All-Star 14 times. He was the NL home run leader in 1958 and 1960, and the NL RBI leader in 1958 and 1959.

Banks said in his induction speech, “We’ve got the setting–sunshine, fresh air, the team behind us. So let’s play two!”, “Let’s play two” would prove to be Banks’ most popular quote. For baseball fans, and Cubs fans, in particular, it’s almost impossible to watch a double-header without thinking of Mr. Cub.

Presidential Medal of Freedom

On November 20, 2013, Banks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom along with 15 others by president Barack Obama. President Obama stated, “Ernie became known as much for his 512 home runs as for his cheer and his optimism, and his eternal faith that someday the Cubs would go all the way.”

It’s important to remember the hardships African Americans faced when Banks was starting with the club. The color barrier had only been broken for six years when Banks made his rookie debut, and times were not always easy. Perhaps even more impressive than his Hall of Fame statistics was his always-positive outlook on life, no matter the circumstances. His accomplishments and attitude during such a time prove that with resiliency and hard work, anything is possible.

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What a sweet sight it would have been to see Ernie Banks’ witness the Chicago Cubs’ first World Series championship in 108 years. Unfortunately, he wasn’t alive to take it all in, but Cubs fans know he was right there with them in enjoying that special moment.

It’s hard to believe two years have already passed since we lost our beloved Mr. Cub. But the memory of one of baseball’s finest will live on.  His impact forever felt.