Ernie Banks' 'Mr. Cub' Era (1953-1971)
The North Siders: A legacy of early dominance and historic droughts.
The Chicago Cubs are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The Cubs compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) Central Division. The club plays its home games at Wrigley Field, which is located on Chicago's North Side. They are one of two major league teams based in Chicago, alongside the American League (AL)’s Chicago White Sox. The Cubs, first known as the White Stockings, trace their origin to 1870 and are one of two remaining NL charter franchises that debuted in 1876. They have been known as the Chicago Cubs since 1903.
- Role
- Shortstop / First Baseman
- Major Honors
- 2× National League MVP, 14× All-Star
- Signature Achievement
- First Black player in Cubs history
- Retirement Status
- Number 14 retired by the Chicago Cubs
Lore & Background
Throughout the club's history, the Cubs have played in a total of 11 World Series. The 1906 Cubs won 116 games, finishing 116–36 and posting a modern-era record winning percentage of .763, before losing the World Series to the Chicago White Sox by four games to two. The Cubs won back-to-back World Series championships in 1907 and 1908, becoming the first major league team to play in three consecutive World Series, and the first to win it twice. Most recently, the Cubs won the 2016 National League Championship Series and 2016 World Series, which ended a 71-year National League pennant drought and a 108-year World Series championship drought. The 108-year drought was also the longest such occurrence in all major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada. Since the start of divisional play in 1969, the Cubs have appeared in the postseason 12 times through the 2024 season.
In Their Own Story
The late afternoon sun sliced through the ivy-covered brick walls of Wrigley Field, casting long shadows across the infield dirt. Ernie Banks stood at home plate, the leather of his bat worn smooth by thousands of swings over eighteen seasons. He looked up to the bleachers, spotting a group of kids clutching signs that simply read 'Mr. Cub.' A wide grin split his face, crinkling the corners of his eyes. As the pitcher wound up, Banks ignored the losing streaks and missed pennants; he saw only the ball and the chance to play two games in one day. With a crack of the bat that echoed off the stands, he launched the ball into the Chicago sky, shouting over the roar of the crowd, 'Let's play two!'
Reader's Guide
The Cubs are known as 'the North Siders', a reference to the location of Wrigley Field within the city of Chicago, and in contrast to the White Sox, whose home field (Rate Field) is located on the South Side. Through 2024, the franchise has played the most games in MLB history, with an all-time regular season record of 11,419–10,837–161 (.513).
Did You Know?
- The Cubs were first known as the White Stockings, founded in 1870.
- The 1906 Cubs set a modern-era record winning percentage of .763.
- The Cubs won back-to-back World Series in 1907 and 1908.
- The Cubs' 108-year World Series drought is the longest in North American professional sports history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ernie Banks during his tenure with the Cubs?
He served as the team's primary shortstop and first baseman while establishing himself as the franchise's most beloved icon over nearly two decades. His optimistic personality and powerful hitting made him a vital link between the team and its supporters.
What were Ernie Banks' major achievements?
Banks earned two National League MVP awards and was selected to 14 All-Star games during his time in Chicago. He also holds the historic distinction of being the first African American player in Cubs franchise history.
Why is Ernie Banks known as 'Mr. Cub'?
The nickname reflects his status as the ultimate representative of the franchise, celebrated for revitalizing fan enthusiasm with his positive attitude and hitting ability. His enduring connection with supporters solidified this title after he retired.
What happened to Ernie Banks' jersey number?
Upon his retirement, the Chicago Cubs permanently retired his jersey number 14 in honor of his contributions. This gesture ensures that no future player will wear that specific uniform again.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Chicago Cubs universe
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