Introduction:

Ernie Banks was renowned as a powerful offensive threat with the Chicago Cubs. Over his illustrious career, he played at multiple positions, including shortstop, outfield, and first base. While he is often remembered for his thunderous batting prowess, his defensive capabilities, particularly at shortstop and outfield, are also noteworthy. This article delves into his fielding performance at both positions, based on historical data and contemporary accounts.

Ernie Banks: The Shortstop

Banks' tenure as a shortstop was somewhat mixed, with his defensive capabilities being a subject of discussion and analysis. His overall fielding percentage at shortstop was solid, totaling .969 over 1,125 games. However, this figure does not necessarily indicate exceptional defensive skills. According to some contemporary accounts, Banks had a fair arm and average range, which meant that while he could make important plays, his ability to cover ground and catch base hits was limited.

Interestingly, his best years as a shortstop coincided with his last two seasons in 1959 and 1960. During these years, he was even honored with a Gold Glove Award, which speaks to his ability to excel in specific confines. However, his fielding statistics over the course of his career place him in the average range, indicating he was a competent but not outstanding shortstop.

The President of the Outfield

Switching to the outfield, Banks was notorious for his defensive shortcomings. He played only 23 games in the outfield during his career, with a fielding percentage of .974. This statistic, though respectable, suggests that he was not a natural outfielder. Banks himself admitted that he was not a great outfielder, which aligns with assessments provided by his contemporaries.

Banks was moved to the outfield primarily due to injuries and team dynamics. During the 1961 season, he was experimentally used to provide infield depth, leading to his stint in left field. Despite the brief foray into the outfield, it is clear that this position did not suit his style or his defensive abilities.

His Versatile Defensive Skills

Beyond shortstop, Banks demonstrated versatile defensive skills at other positions. He played 69 games at third base, with a .968 fielding percentage, and 1259 games as a first baseman, with a strong fielding percentage of .994. Both these positions required different sets of skills, but Banks managed to excel in his primary role as a first baseman.

The batting strength of the Cubs' pitching staff during Banks' shortstop years played a role in inflating his defensive statistics. The team often faced ground-ball pitchers, which likely contributed to more assists and double plays. However, the inflated statistics do not detract from the fact that Banks was more effective in his role as a first baseman where he had a 72.4 double plays per 1000 innings.

Conclusion

Ernie Banks was an extraordinary player whose offensive contributions overshadowed his defensive skills. As a shortstop, his defensive performance was generally average but featured flashes of brilliance, particularly in his final two seasons. His shift to the outfield was more of a necessity than a natural fit, and his move to first base allowed the Cubs to better utilize his offensive power. Overall, Ernie Banks was a B/C defender at shortstop, a B/B- at first base, and a below-average outfielder.

While Banks is best remembered for his offensive exploits, his defensive journey offers a comprehensive look at the multifaceted nature of his career. His ability to adapt and excel in varied roles speaks to his integrity and passion for the game, but his defensive skills cannot be overstated in assessing his full legacy.