It was on September 17, 1953, that Ernie Banks, known as Mr. Cub and perhaps the greatest player in Chicago Cubs history, made his major league debut with the team. He also became the first African-American player to suit up for the North Siders.
Though Banks had a decorated career, his debut came under rather unceremonious circumstances. It was late in the season, and the Cubs were well out of the pennant race. Just 2,793 were in attendance at Wrigley Field, as the Philadelphia Phillies pounded the Cubs, 16-4.
Banks batted seventh and went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored, and he also committed an error at shortstop.