Ernie Banks

Ernie Banks – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the inspiring story of Ernie Banks (1931–2015) — the legendary American baseball player known as “Mr. Cub.” Explore his early life, rise to fame with the Chicago Cubs, career milestones, humanitarian legacy, and his timeless optimism captured in the phrase “Let’s play two!”

Introduction

Few figures in baseball radiate as much joy, humility, and enduring optimism as Ernie Banks. Known affectionately as “Mr. Cub,” Banks embodied the spirit of America’s pastime through his infectious enthusiasm and devotion to the game. Beyond his Hall of Fame career, he became an icon of perseverance, respect, and gratitude — a man who loved baseball and life with unflagging sincerity.

This article explores the life and career of Ernie Banks, from his humble beginnings in segregated America to his legendary status at Wrigley Field and his broader influence on sportsmanship and American culture.

Early Life and Family

Ernest Banks was born on January 31, 1931, in Dallas, Texas, the second of twelve children of Eddie and Essie Banks.

• His father, Eddie, worked as a warehouse laborer and played semi-professional baseball. It was Eddie who instilled in young Ernie a love of the game.

• Growing up in the segregated South, Banks faced limited opportunities for African Americans. His family encouraged education, hard work, and optimism in the face of adversity.

Ernie attended Booker T. Washington High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, including basketball and track. Yet baseball was not part of his school’s athletic program, so he first played organized baseball with the Dallas Black Giants, a local semi-pro team.

Youth and Early Career

Banks’s professional journey began in the Negro Leagues, when he joined the Kansas City Monarchs in 1950 under manager Buck O’Neil.

• His career was briefly interrupted by military service in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953, where he served in Germany during the Korean War.

• After his service, he returned to the Monarchs, impressing scouts with his athleticism and calm demeanor.

In 1953, Banks made history when he signed with the Chicago Cubs, becoming the team’s first African American player. His debut came on September 17, 1953, marking the beginning of a 19-year career that would define both a franchise and an era.

Major League Career and Achievements

Chicago Cubs (1953–1971)

Banks spent his entire Major League Baseball career with the Chicago Cubs — a loyalty that earned him the nickname “Mr. Cub.”

Early Stardom and MVP Seasons

• Banks quickly became one of baseball’s premier sluggers, particularly as a power-hitting shortstop, a rare combination at the time.

• In 1958 and 1959, he won back-to-back National League MVP awards, hitting 47 home runs in ’58 and 45 in ’59.

• He was an 11-time All-Star and finished his career with 512 home runs — an extraordinary number for a shortstop and later first baseman.

• His lifetime batting average was .274, and he amassed 2,583 hits and 1,636 RBIs.

Longevity and Consistency

• Known for his durability, Banks played in 717 consecutive games between 1956 and 1961.

• Despite the Cubs’ struggles during his tenure — they never reached the postseason — Banks’s enthusiasm never wavered.

He famously said, “It’s a great day for baseball — let’s play two!” — capturing his boundless passion for the sport even when his team was losing.

Historical Context and Legacy

Ernie Banks’s career coincided with the growing civil rights movement. Playing in a city and era where African Americans still faced discrimination, Banks chose optimism and professionalism as his response.

• He broke racial barriers within the Cubs organization with grace, earning respect from fans, teammates, and opponents alike.

• His smile, humility, and upbeat attitude helped make him one of the most beloved figures in sports, transcending race and rivalry.

• He became a symbol of dignity in adversity, showing that excellence and kindness could win over hearts even amid tension and change.

Awards and Honors

• National League MVP: 1958, 1959

• All-Star Selections: 11 (1955–1962, 1965–1967, 1969)

• Gold Glove Award: 1960

• Chicago Cubs All-Century Team: Named in 1999

• Hall of Fame Induction: 1977 (first-ballot)

• Presidential Medal of Freedom: Awarded by President Barack Obama in 2013 for his contributions to sports and community service.

• Statue at Wrigley Field: Unveiled in 2008, commemorating his legacy as “Mr. Cub.”

Later Life and Philanthropy

After retiring in 1971, Banks stayed close to baseball and the city of Chicago.

• He worked in the Cubs’ front office and served as a goodwill ambassador for the team and Major League Baseball.

• Banks was deeply involved in charitable work, especially programs promoting youth baseball and education.

• He founded the Live Above & Beyond Foundation, dedicated to helping underprivileged children and families.

Ernie Banks passed away on January 23, 2015, just eight days shy of his 84th birthday. The Cubs honored his memory by flying their flags at half-staff and wearing his number 14 on their uniforms that season.

Personality and Philosophy

Banks’s personality radiated gratitude. He often described baseball as a privilege, not a job.

• Known for his unfailing optimism, he avoided bitterness even when his teams lost or when he faced racial prejudice.

• His signature optimism inspired generations of fans: he loved baseball not just for the competition, but for the joy of the game itself.

• He was also known for his humility — he never sought controversy or self-promotion, preferring to let his play and positive attitude speak for him.

Famous Quotes by Ernie Banks

Ernie Banks’s words are as enduring as his records. Here are some of his most famous sayings:

“It’s a great day for baseball — let’s play two!”
(Said whenever a doubleheader was scheduled — and even when it wasn’t.)

“The only way to prove that you’re a good sport is to lose.”

“You must try to generate happiness within yourself. If you aren’t happy in one place, chances are you won’t be happy anywhere.”

“You can’t love the game if you think it’s all about money.”

“You have to love the game and respect it. You’ve got to learn the fundamentals.”

“The measure of achievement is not winning awards. It’s doing something that you appreciate, something you believe is worthwhile.”

These quotes reveal Banks’s wisdom, grace, and enduring positivity.

Lessons from Ernie Banks

1. Find joy in the journey.
   Banks taught that fulfillment comes not from the scoreboard but from loving what you do — a philosophy that resonates far beyond sports.

2. Optimism is power.
   His trademark smile and upbeat spirit lifted teammates and fans even during losing seasons.

3. Break barriers with dignity.
   As one of the early African American players in the National League, Banks advanced equality by example rather than anger, earning respect through integrity and performance.

4. Dedication defines legacy.
   Staying with the same team for 19 years — through good and bad — made him the heart of the Cubs franchise.

5. Happiness is self-made.
   His life demonstrates that inner joy, not circumstance, determines a person’s outlook and success.

Conclusion

Ernie Banks remains a towering figure in baseball history — not just for his numbers, but for his humanity. “Mr. Cub” turned every day into a celebration of the sport and every fan into family. His voice, echoing through Wrigley Field — “Let’s play two!” — still symbolizes pure love for the game and life itself.

His legacy reminds us that greatness lies not just in what we achieve, but in how joyfully we live, play, and inspire others.