Ernie Banks

Today is more than the wonderful holiday of Opening Day, it is also a celebration of Ernie Banks.  It is a double-header~~"Let's play two!"

Ernie is one of the best ambassadors the game has ever known.  But it is too often overlooked how great Ernie was as a player.

He began his professional career with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues in 1950.  He became the first black player in the Cubs franchise in 1953. 

#14 quickly became one of the best players in all of baseball.  He won the NL MVP award in back to back years (1958 & 1959) although he played for dreadful Cub teams. 

In '58 he batted .313 with 47 HR and 129 RBI.  In '59 he hit .304 with 45 HR and 143 RBI.  All the while playing a wonderful shortstop.  (He won the Gold Glove in 1960.)

Many baseball "experts" claim that the power hitting shortstops began with Cal Ripken...no, no, no.  Ripken was a great player in his own right, but our Ernie Banks was the premier power hitting shortstop. 

Today is his day and his statue is going to be my first stop every time I go to Wrigley.

Go Cubs and God Bless you Ernie Banks!!!