This Day In Baseball History: May 12, 1970

This Day In Baseball History: May 12, 1970

                It was on this date in 1970 that Chicago Cubs’ first baseman Ernie Banks hit his 500^th career home run in a game against the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The second-inning line drive over the left field wall came off Braves’ starter Pat Jarvis. The ball bounced off the bleacher seats and back onto the playing field. Atlanta left-fielder, Rico Carty, retrieved the ball and gave it to Banks.

                The Cubs would eventually win the game in 11 innings by a score of 4-3. The home run was the only hit Banks had in the contest, but he would pick up a second RBI on a sacrifice fly.

                “Mr. Cub” would play 19 years in the Major Leagues, all with the Cubs, and would retired with a career .274 batting average, 512 home runs, 1636 RBIs and 2583 hits. He was a ten-time All-Star and won the National League’s MVP award in 1958 and 1959. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977.

                Unfortunately, Banks hold the dubious honour of playing in the most career games (2528) without ever appearing in the World Series.