"Let's play two!" Now wearing number 14 for the best athletes by the numbers, is "Mr. Cub," Ernie Banks. Ernie's number 14 was the first number to be retired by the Chicago Cubs. Ernie, who played in the Negro leagues for the Kansas City Monarchs, became the Cubs first black player in 1953. According to The Sporting News, Ernie ranks at number 38 on the 100 greatest baseball players list. Ernie Banks won the NL MVP in 1958 and 1959, when the Cubs weren't among the teams contending for the playoffs. Here are some key Ernie Banks stats:
- 512 career homers (tops at shortstop until surpassed by Cal Ripken Jr.)
- Cubs all-time leader in: games played (2,528,) at-bats (9,421,) and total bases (4,706)
- 11-time All-Star
- 1960 Gold Glove winner
- Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame class of 1977
Did you know......Ernie, as a coach for the Cubs, filled in at manager for a couple innings in 1973, technically making him the first black manager in the majors? (photo courtesy of athlonsports.com)
So now that #15 is coming up...I hope Thurman Munson gets some sorta nod. even if it's for the mustache....
ReplyDeleteI think I would have put the great Don Hutson there. The man defined the wide receiver position and his records dominated it for decades. Not only was he a good receiver, he also was a solid safety too!
ReplyDeleteMy money's on Pete Rose! More hits than anyone ever, rings with two different teams, and an all-star at multiple positions.
ReplyDeletePete Rose or Bob Cousy...
ReplyDeletePete Rose played harder than anyone ever played any sport ever
ReplyDeleteMr. Cub deserves to be here. He also deserved a championship, but what are you going to do playing for the cubbies?
ReplyDeleteDan Fouts - Air Coryell was the most exciting and high powered offense in NFL history
ReplyDeletepete rose for sure not doubt about it.
ReplyDeleteBanks was great, but Pete Rose was better. The Phillies probably would never have won a World Series without Rose. Rose's catch in foul territory off of Bob Boone's glove is one of the greatest catches of all time, and is just one example of his heads up play. Rose without a doubt deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
ReplyDeleteOscar Robertson (until he came to the Bucks at the end of his career and wore # 1)
ReplyDeleteGotta go with Oscar Robertson here. (Otto Graham was damn good, too)
ReplyDeletePete Rose, his numbers (not his ops+) dominate. then the great oscar robinson then maybe banks.
ReplyDeleteultimately banks impact on the game of baseball doesnt compare to rose's impact. and the rings count for something ...
Yeah, I kinda like Pete Rose too at 14.
ReplyDeletePete rose career hits champ and 3 world series championships, couple mvp's. Yes, he gambled, but Pete rose vs. Banks makes for a lively discussion.
ReplyDeletePeter Edward Rose.
ReplyDeleteI'm born and raised a die-hard Cubs fan, but this number belongs to Pete Rose. Greatest hitter in the history of his sport. His record will not be broken.
ReplyDeleteThierry Henry for Arsenal in the English Premier League... no doubt. Greatest scorer in the history of English Football, and an international legend. I would also give a sentimental nod to Julio Franco while with the Rangers - because he's the reason I love this number!
ReplyDelete