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Cubs historical sleuthing: Ernie Banks in Anaheim

Getty Images says:

Former great and Hall of Famer Ernie Banks #14 of the Chicago Cubs signs autographs for fans prior to a Major League Baseball game circa 1989 at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California.

So, wait. In 1989, Ernie was 58 years old. And why would he have been playing in a “Major League Baseball game” in Anaheim in 1989?

The answer is, he didn’t. The All-Star Game was in Anaheim in 1989, and as part of the festivities, there was an Old-Timers Game played. This was part of a series of Old-Timers Games played from 1986 to 1995 in various ballparks; here’s the list of games from 1989, which included a game at Wrigley Field August 12.