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5 unusual facts about Ernie Banks


1959 Chicago Cubs season

Ernie Banks became the first shortstop in the history of the NL to win the MVP award in back to back seasons.

1959 Milwaukee Braves season

Mathews finished second to Ernie Banks of the Chicago Cubs in the voting for the league's Most Valuable Player, who hit 47 home runs and lead the league in runs batted in.

Hal Gilson

Ernie Banks was the first batter Gilson ever faced - Banks reached base on an error.

Philip K. Wrigley

Instead, he opted to have the various coaches as a "head coach." Without firm and consistent leadership, the Cubs continued to languish in the standings, despite having Cubs greats Ron Santo, Ernie Banks and Billy Williams on the roster.

Steve Bilko

During his brief stay with the Cubs, announcer Bert Wilson placed Bilko at the end of what he hoped would be a soon-to-be-famous double play combination of Ernie Banks, Gene Baker and Steve Bilko.


Bob Duliba

Through his career, Duliba had significant success against some of the games toughest hitters, including holding Hall of Famers Hank Aaron, Luis Aparicio, Ernie Banks, Roberto Clemente, Al Kaline, Willie Mays, Bill Mazeroski, and Duke Snider to a .114 collective batting average (4-for-35).


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