On this day in 1970, Chicago Cubs first baseman Ernie Banks swung his way into Major League Baseball history with his 500th home run. The historic moment came when Mr. Cub launched a solo shot into left center field in the second inning against Atlanta Braves righty, Pat Jarvis. The game featured six future Hall of Famers, four on the Cubs (Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo and Hoyt Wilhelm) and two on the Braves (Hank Aaron and Orlando Cepeda). The Cubs would go on to win the game 4-3.
Here is the WGN broadcast with Jack Brickhouse’s call
Banks finished his career in 1971 with 512 home runs, at the time this ranked him 21st all-time. During his 19 seasons on the “north side” of Chicago, Ernie was chosen to play in 11 All-Star Games and was twice voted the National League Most Valuable Player (1958 & 1959). He twice led the National League in home runs and RBIs and picked up a Gold Glove Award in 1960. He entered the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. The Cubs retired his No. 14 jersey in 1982.
