BHM: Ernie Banks was managed by Negro Leagues legends Cool Papa Bell and Buck O’Neil before signing with the Chicago Cubs in September 1953. Banks never spent a day in the Minor Leagues and went on to win 2 MVP awards and hit 512 home runs over 19 seasons with the Cubs.

7 comments

1. And Buck later landed in Chicago himself as a coach.

2. Lets Play Two!

3. Love the Ern Dog!

4. There will never be another Mr. Cub!

5. electric smile!

6. I had the pleasure of meeting him twice, and he was the sweetest man. Treated me like a king when I was a little kid and then 40 years later when I showed him the picture of us together at a Card show he took it from me and started showing it to the people that were with him at the table. All while a line was waiting for his signature. Then he told me it was a shame I had to pay to get it signed. He signed it “Be joyful, Ernie Banks” – my late wife and I used “Be joyful” a lot.

7. What a shame he just missed the 2016 team.