Ernie Banks hits a grand slam – the first of five on the year
Ernie Banks hits a grand slam – the first of five on the year – to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 10 – 8 victory that snaps the Brooklyn Dodgers’ 11-game winning streak.
Humberto Robinson makes his major league debut
At Wrigley Field, Humberto Robinson makes his major league debut, coming out of the Braves’ bullpen in a 9-5 victory over the Cubs. The 24 year-old from Colon is the first player from Panama to appear in a major league game.
Chicago Cubs trade Future Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner
On November 16, 1954, the Chicago Cubs trade Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner to the Cleveland Indians for pitcher Sam Jones, minor league outfielder Gale Wade, and $60,000 in cash. The slugging outfielder will hit 18 home runs for the Indians in 1955-his final major league season…
Hank Aaron breaks his ankle, ending his rookie season
Are you interested in owning your own business but don’t know where to start? Contact Franchising Connection today for a free consultation and we will help you through your journey! On September 5, 1954, future Hall of Famer Hank Aaron experiences both sides of baseball fortune. Aaron goes 4-for-4 in the first game of a…
Wally Moon hits a home run in his first major league at-bat & om Alston becomes the first black player to wear a Cardinals uniform.
On Opening Day off Chicago hurler Paul Milner, Wally Moon hits a home run in his first major league at-bat. The 24 year-old Cardinal center fielder, who will be selected as the National League’s Rookie of the Year, will also homer in the last at-bat of his freshman season.
Chicago Cubs manager Phil Cavarretta gives team owner Phil Wrigley an honest assessment of the Cubs’ chances, and is fired for his defeatist attitude, becoming the first manager ever to be given the gate during spring training. Stan Hack replaces him. Cavarretta is right: the Cubs will drop to seventh place this year.
1954 – Chicago Cubs manager Phil Cavarretta gives team owner Phil Wrigley an honest assessment of the Cubs’ chances, and is fired for his defeatist attitude, becoming the first manager ever to be given the gate during spring training. Stan Hack replaces him. Cavarretta is right: the Cubs will drop to seventh place this year.
Ernie Banks to start his first full season with the Cubs
March 24, 1954 Sporting News Ernie Banks about to start his first full season with the Chicago Cubs. He began playing Professionally with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro League in 1950. He would serve in the Military for two years and came back to the Monarchs after service. He would be the first…
Ernie Banks becomes the first black player to appear in a Cubs’ game
Ernie Banks becomes the first black player to appear in a Cubs’ game. The former Kansas City Monarch infielder, who makes an error and is hitless in three at-bats, will go on to hit 512 home runs, as well as winning the MVP award twice during his 19-year Hall of Fame career.
Chicago Cubs purchase Ernie Banks Contract
On September 8, 1953, the Chicago Cubs make one of the best transactions in franchise history, purchasing infielder Ernie Banks from the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues. The Cubs surrender a mere $10,000 for Banks, who will hit 512 home runs over a 19-year major league career…
Ralph Kiner of the Pittsburgh Pirates becomes the first player to lead the National League in home runs for seven consecutive seasons
On September 27, 1952, Ralph Kiner of the Pittsburgh Pirates becomes the first player to lead the National League in home runs for seven consecutive seasons. Kiner hits his 37th home run of the year, putting him in a season-ending tie with Hank Sauer of the Chicago Cubs…
