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.
Wally Moon becomes the first Cardinal player to be selected by the BBWAA as the National League’s Rookie of the Year
Wally Moon (.304, 12, 106) becomes the first Cardinal player to be selected by the BBWAA as the National League’s Rookie of the Year. The 24 year-old center fielder, who replaced Enos Slaughter in the St. Louis outfield, gets 17 of the 24 writers’ votes, with runners-up including future Hall of Famers Ernie Banks (4) and Hank Aaron (1).
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 makes his debut and hits his first career homerun
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. 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.
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…
Ernie Banks makes his professional debut with the Kansas City Monarchs
Ernie Banks makes his professional debut with the Kansas City Monarchs, going 3 for 7 in a doubleheader against the Memphis Red Sox
Hall of Famer Ernie Banks is born in Dallas, Texas
On January 31, 1931, Hall of Famer Ernie Banks is born in Dallas, Texas. Banks will make his debut with the Chicago Cubs in 1953 and hit 512 home runs during a 19-year career.
Frank Schulte grand slam off Rube Marquard helps beat the New York Giants, 8 – 4
Chicago Cubs slugger Frank Schulte hits a grand slam off Rube Marquard to beat the New York Giants, 8 – 4. Schulte will slam four this season, a record tied by Babe Ruth in 1919 and topped by Ernie Banks’ five in 1955.
