Ernie Banks' 'Mr. Cub' Era (1953-1971)
The North Siders: A legacy of triumph and endurance.
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, were founded in and are one of two remaining NL charter franchises that debuted in . They have been known as the Chicago Cubs since 1903.
Quick Facts
- 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 , 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 and , 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, both of which are record droughts in Major League Baseball.
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 2025 season.
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 ().
Did You Know?
- The Cubs began in 1870 as the Chicago White Stockings.
- The Cubs won back-to-back World Series in 1907 and 1908.
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 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.
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