Quote:
Originally Posted by jason.1969
That's a man who loved the game and changed it forever. Any guesses what the NL HR record was for shortstops before Banks?
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I am biased as a Cubs fan, but Ernie was a special kind of guy, I can only imagine what his cards would be worth today if he had played in New York. Not sure about HR records before him, but I know the typical shortstop was thought of more like Reese or Rizzuto. Great defensively, and maybe a decent hitter but not so much for pop in the bat. Wagner for career HR, maybe? I think Ernie had 270 some HR's at short before he moved over to first base in 1961. (He had a stint in the outfield in '61 too). Supposedly he had an eye-problem, depth perception I believe where he started slinging balls into the stands from short. Also pretty amazing if you consider of those on the all-time great list - 500 HR club, etc. - Ernie is one of the few who did that with significant time at different positions. He never won an MVP at First Base, but did play 5 All Star games there.