Hall of Fame Baseball Player Greatest Home Run Hitting Shortstop in the last century - 1900s. Baseball History. Ernie Banks holds the NL record for most home runs per games played at shortstop - no other shortstop comes close and Banks missed two years while serving in the army during the Korean War. 

Ernie Banks is the most valuable shortstop in baseball history; two years in a row he won the Most Valuable Player Award, in 1958 & 1959. Banks was the first player in history to win the MVP while playing for a 5th place team. Called "Mr. Cub", Ernie Banks' power hitting packed Wrigley Field with fans in the 1950's and 1960's. They came to see Ernie hit one onto Waveland Avenue. Ernie Banks loved to play baseball and is often quoted as saying "Lets Play Two Today". From August, 1956 to 1961, Banks played in 717 consecutive games. In 1955, Ernie BAnks hit five (5) grand slams - still a National League Record. In 1957, 4 pitchers dared to knock down Banks and each time he hit the next pitch for a homer.

 Hall of Famer Ernie Banks hit 512 career homers, drove in 1636 runs, had 2583 hits, 407 doubles, 90 triples and a lifetime batting average of .274. Ernie Banks was a great player and is one of the nicest people you can ever meet. After he retired he came to Cubs' park and sat in the stands talking to fans and autographed freely for everyone. Fans lined up in the stands to get a chance to talk with Mr. Ernie Banks! Baseball History