Monarchs, Banks signed a contract with the Chicago Cubs. This was no
ordinary signing. This was the first signing of an African American for the
Only a few years after his signing (1953), Banks became a favorite
amongst the Wrigley fans. He had an amazing second full season, smacking
forty-four homeruns and batting a cool .275. He also scored ninety-eight
runs, and drove in one hundred and seventeen runs. He gained himself a
Major League record, with five grandslams this season. These were only a
small stint of what was to come in Chicago.
In 1957, Ernie hit over forty homeruns again, and did so the next three
years. He was the first shortstop to hit over forty homeruns four years
straight. His forty-seven homeruns in 1958, was also a record for homeruns
by a shortstop. He wasn't done yet.
Banks continued his fearsome batting for the next ten years. He
broke numerous records, and set himself down as a great all around
player. He earned himself National League honors by being the first man to
win consecutive Most Valuable Player awards. He won titles for best
fielding average, setting an NL season record for shortstops. After moving
to first base, Banks excelled once more, leading all fielding average for first
Ernie Banks was the coming-of-age for the Chicago Cubs. He
changed the game, while exhilerating the crowd with joy. He was and is a
true warrior....and a pretty good baseball player aswell.
Doing this report has allowed me to learn more about this all-time
great, and also gave me a good model for courage. Ernie Banks did not
allow being "different" from the rest of the players affect his performance
I chose to do this report because the Cubs have always been a
sparkle in my eye, and knowing that Ernie Banks is a monumental
...