Banister knows great challenges from growing up in the Houston area with a fierce determination to play in the Major Leagues. As a high school sophomore, he developed bone cancer and osteomyelitis in his left ankle. A doctor said amputation offered the best chance of full recovery, but Banister begged them not to crush his dream.
Banister underwent seven operations, achieved full recovery and ended up playing baseball for Baytown Junior College. He was an undersized catcher and was involved in a devastating collision at home plate, crushing three vertebrae in his neck. He was paralyzed for 10 days before he began another long, agonizing and ultimately successful recovery.