Ernie Banks biography
Ernie Banks, byname of Ernest Banks, (born January 31, 1931, Dallas, Texas, U.S.—died January 23, 2015, Chicago, Illinois), American skilled baseball participant, thought to be one of many best energy hitters within the historical past of the sport. Banks starred for the Chicago Cubs from 1953 to 1971. An 11-time All-Star, Banks was named the National League’s (NL) Most Valuable Player for 2 consecutive seasons (1958–59). He hit greater than 40 house runs in 5 completely different seasons, main the NL in that class in 1958 and 1960. He additionally led the league in 1958–59 in runs batted in.
Banks excelled in soccer, basketball, monitor and discipline, and baseball at his Dallas highschool. At age 17 he joined a barnstorming Negro league group at a wage price of $15 per sport. In 1950 legendary Negro league star Cool Papa Bell signed him to the Kansas City Monarchs. Soon after, Banks spent two years within the U.S. Army, after which he returned to the Monarchs. His keep there was short-lived, nevertheless, as the most important leagues, not too long ago built-in, have been desirous to make the most of the wealth of expertise within the Negro leagues.
Signed by the Chicago Cubs in 1953, Banks quickly established himself as one of many league’s main energy hitters. In addition to his potent bat, he proved to be a talented defensive participant, setting a single-season mark for fielding proportion for a shortstop in 1959. After accidents restricted his mobility, Banks moved to first base in 1962.
Banks was recognized for his enthusiasm and love of the sport, his trademark cry of “let’s play two!” reflecting the pure enjoyment he took in baseball. When he retired in 1971, he was the holder of a lot of the Chicago Cubs’ offensive data and had earned the nickname “Mr. Cub” among the many group’s followers. In his profession Banks totaled 512 house runs and 1,636 runs batted in. He was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977; he was the eighth participant to be elected in his first yr of eligibility. In 2013 Banks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.