Ernie Banks makes his debut and hits his first career homerun
On September 20, 1953 — Gene Baker, the other half of the Kansas City Monarchs double play duo along with Ernie Banks, joins his former Negro League teammate, making his major league debut with the Cubs. Ernie hits his first major league home run against Gerry Staley, but the St. Louis Cardinals win, 11 – 6.
In 1961, the second baseman will be named manager of the minor league Batavia, New York team, becoming the first black manager in organized baseball.