On September 17, 1953, Ernie Banks made his Major League debut with the Cubs, making him the first African American ballplayer to appear in a Cubs uniform.  The game was played at Wrigley Field against Philadelphia with Curt Simmons on the mound for the Phillies.  Banks was positioned at short and batted seventh in the Cubs lineup.  He came to the plate for the first time in the bottom of the second and flied out to center.  At bat again in the fifth, Banks this time earned a walk and later scored on a HR by pinch hitter Tommy Brown.  Banks finished the game 1 for 3 with one run scored and one error.  The Phillies walloped the Cubs by a final score of 16 - 4, with Curt Simmons pitching a complete game.  Banks would go on to play 2528 games for the Cubs.

One more Hall of Famer made his debut on this date, in 1955.  Check back later to find out who.

Mitchell & Ness would like to wish you all a very happy Ernie Banks Day! This day 48 years ago was declared by Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley to be Ernie Banks Day city-wide. Mr. Cub, already an eleven-year veteran with the North Siders, saw his club fall 5-4 to the Pirates that day, but Banks was able to tally a run.

Banks is widely considered the greatest Cub in franchise history. Banks played 19 seasons in Chicago, his one and only team. Despite never achieving much team success, Banks was able to star for the club. A shortstop, then later first baseman, Banks won consecutive National League MVP's in 1958 and 1959. He was honored as an All-Star 14 times throughout his career.

Banks optimism shined among the the "Lovable Losers" the Cubs were during his career. Mr. Sunshine became a second nickname for Banks, as was his famous catchphrase, "It's a beautiful day for a ballgame... Let's play two!" 

Banks hit 512 home runs with career, along with a then-record of 277 as a shortstop. Banks is still the Cubs record holder for games played, at-bats, extra base hits and total bases.

Banks' number 14 was the first number ever retired by the Cubs, and one of only six ever to retired by the franchise. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame on his first ballot in 1977. His bronze statue has resided outside the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field since 2008. Banks, now aged 81, resisdes with his wife Liz outside Los Angeles.

Even though Ernie Banks Day may have been officially a one-time even, we like to celebrate it every year here at Mitchell & Ness. We honor the positivity and legendary play of Mr. Cub himself with some of our authentic jersey offerings, which you can check out below:

1969 Home Cubs Jersey

1969 Away Cubs Jersey

On this date, June 23, 1961 Ernie Banks would end his consecutive games played total at 717 games. He remains till this day on the list of top 15 players to hold a record for consecutive games played. (See list below from Baseball Almanac)

Ernie Banks played his entire career with the Chicago Cubs. He started out his career on a high note becoming the Major League record holder for most consecutive games played after his debut, playing 424 consecutive games. This record would hold strong until 2005 when it was broken by Hideki Matsui who ended his streak at 518 games in 2006. Loved by fans at Wrigley Field, Mr. Cub became one of the first players to win back to back MVP awards in 1958 & 1959.

The Cubs # 14.  There's only one, right?

Actually, before "Mr. Cub" graced the fields of Wrigley, five other gentlemen represented the Cubs with the # 14 on their backs.

Guy Bush - 1932

Ken Raffensberger - 1941

Lou Novikoff - 1942

Vallie Eaves - 1942

Paul Schramka - 1953