Ernest “Ernie” Banks is considered one of the greatest shortstops in Major League Baseball history. Known affectionately as “Mr. Cub,” Banks spent his entire 19-year baseball career with the Chicago Cubs from 1953 to 1971. His upbeat and positive attitude in the face of the Cubs struggles endeared him to fans. Banks was an 11-time All-Star and two-time National League MVP. He led the National League in home runs twice and holds the record for the most home runs by a National League shortstop. Naturally, Banks has been featured prominently on many baseball cards over the years.
One of the earliest Banks baseball cards comes from his rookie season of 1953 with Topps. The iconic Topps design from that era featured a large color photo on one side and basic career stats and information on the reverse. Banks’ rookie card shows him in a Cubs uniform from the waist up with his familiar smile. The stats note he was 20 years old, stood 5’11” and weighed 175 pounds. He had just finished a strong rookie season batting .275 with 13 home runs and 68 RBIs. This card is highly collectible today as one of Banks’ earliest and his rookie season. Graded mint condition examples can fetch thousands of dollars.
In 1954, Banks broke out with a .275 average, 25 home runs and 83 RBIs earning him MVP consideration. This led to a more prominent spot on his 1954 Topps card. The large color photo now showed his entire body in a classic batting stance. The stats on the back noted his breakout season performance. High grade examples of this card also have significant collector value today. Banks went on to have all-star caliber seasons in 1955 and 1956 cementing himself as a star, which was reflected in the design and information on his cards those years from Topps and Bowman.
Banks had a career year in 1958, batting .313 with 47 home runs and 129 RBIs winning the National League MVP award. This outstanding season was commemorated on his 1958 Topps card. The large photo showed Banks mid-swing with the Wrigley Field stands in the background. The stats listing his MVP numbers were now in bold on the reverse. This is considered one of Banks’ most iconic and desirable cards today. PSA Gem Mint 10 graded examples have sold for over $10,000, underscoring his popularity and the significance of this MVP season card.
In 1960, Banks led the league again with 41 home runs helping power the Cubs to their first pennant in 40 years. Topps captured this exciting season and Banks’ pivotal role on his 1960 card. The front photo featured Banks mid-swing with confetti falling in the background, referencing the Cubs playoff run. The back listed his impressive 1960 stats and two-time All-Star selection in bold. This card commemorating the Cubs’ long awaited pennant is also highly sought after by collectors. Banks went on to be featured prominently on cards each year through the early 1960s from Topps, Fleer and other brands.
Banks played in the All-Star game in 1963 at Cleveland Stadium where he was named MVP after hitting two home runs. Topps honored this achievement on the 1963 card, labeling Banks an “All-Star MVP” on the front and listing his two-homer game stats on the back. This card remains one of Banks more iconic All-Star game issue cards. In 1966, Banks became the first National League shortstop to hit 500 career home runs. Topps marked the occasion on his 1966 card with “500 Home Run Club” printed prominently across the front photo, honoring his place in baseball history.
After the 1969 season, Banks was traded to the Boston Braves in a rare move away from the Cubs. He never played a game for Boston and retired after the 1971 season spent back with the Cubs. In Banks’ retirement, he remained a beloved figure in Chicago and was active in the Cubs organization. In the 1990s, Banks began appearing on special vintage reprint and retro style cards to honor his playing days from brands like Upper Deck, Score and Leaf. In 2008, Topps released a special Ernie Banks tribute card as part of their Allen & Ginter set, paying homage to Mr. Cub’s enduring legacy nearly 40 years after his last game.
Through the decades, Ernie Banks maintained a prominent place in the hearts of Cubs fans and the history of baseball. His upbeat attitude and impressive playing career have been commemorated on dozens of baseball cards since the 1950s. Many of Banks’ classic rookie, MVP and milestone cards remain some of the most popular and valuable in the hobby. They preserve the memory of one of the game’s true ambassadors and allow collectors to relive Banks’ legendary career with the Chicago Cubs. As long as baseball cards exist, Ernie Banks is sure to have a permanent home within the collectible world he came to represent—sunny optimism and pure joy for the game.
