50 years ago, to the day Mr. Cub (Ernie Banks) became only the ninth player in MLB history to hit 500 career homeruns. The momentous occasion came in a Cubs home game against the Atlanta Braves in which the Cubs won 4-3 in 11 innings. Ironically enough the player who became the eighth player in MLB history to hit 500 homeruns was also playing in this game for the Braves (Hank Aaron).
Since that day 50 years ago, 18 more players have joined the iconic 500 homerun club, a feat that will always be remembered by not only the player, but anyone who watched the moment happen. Out of the 27 players in the 500 club, Banks is currently tied for 23rd all-time with Eddie Mathews at 512 HR.
Banks was close to retirement in 1970, at the age of 39, Banks would play half of the 1970 season and a quarter of the 1971 season before calling it a career. Going into the game against the Braves, Banks had been having a rough season, batting .244 with a .324 OBP and two homeruns. Banks only needed one homerun to join an elite club in baseball history, the 500 HR club.
In the second inning Banks stepped up for his first at bat against right hander Pat Jarvis. Pitchers were able to find the weakness of Mr. Cub up to that point in the season, the high and tight fastball, since he was having trouble turning on that pitch it seemed like the obvious place to throw the pitch. However, on this swing Cubs fans were taken back in time to the all-star and MVP seasons that Banks had previously had.
Banks turned on the pitch and the ball ended up going a couple rows deep into the bleachers at Wrigley, finally the immortal 500 homerun feat was accomplished. Just like any other player who has joined the 500-homerun club, it was not an easy road for Banks.
Although Jackie Robinson had officially broken the color barrier in 1947 there were still teams that were hesitant to sign African American ballplayers, so in 1950 Banks signed with the most famous negro league team the Kansas City Monarchs. In his first season Banks hit .255 then had a short stint in the army for two years. Banks came back to play for the Monarchs in 1953 and hit .347 before getting signed by the Chicago Cubs late in the season.
Banks was sent directly to the Major Leagues for the Cubs and played in 10 games during the 1953 season and hit .314, but more importantly Banks was the first African American player in the Cubs long history as a franchise.
In 1954 Banks became the long-term starting shortstop for the Cubs, a spot that he would sit in for the next eight seasons before moving to first base. Over the rest of his career Banks showed why he was beloved in Chicago and tends to be regarded as the best player in Cubs history.
Banks was not only known as a great player, but he was also known as a great teammate, he was always positive and always talking, but not about himself he always talked about how the team could improve. As great as a teammate he was he was a great personality that was great for the fans of Chicago and for the game. Banks was a 14-time all-star, a two-time MVP, a member of the MLB all-century team and a first ballot hall of famer.
Even with all of those accolades one of the most impressive to the fan of the game is the 500 homeruns because that is one of the hardest feats in all of sports. Even though he would have been remembered for strictly his baseball accolades, he also made his name known outside of baseball.
Banks made his mark in the community by founding a charity, becoming the first African American Ford dealer in the U.S. and attempting to run for a local political office position. In 2013, Banks was awarded the Presidential by President Barack Obama for his contribution to sports.
50 years ago, the legacy of Mr. Cub took another level after he hit his 500th HR, now 50 years later we all take the time to look back at one of the greatest all-around baseball players in Ernie Banks.