Ernie Banks History Question

[alleycat]

:?: I'm doing some research on Ernie Banks and I was hoping someone could give me a history lesson on Mr. Cub, since I wasn't around during his career. What I really am looking for is what years the Cubs had a shot at the pennant while he was playing, and what teams or memorable games took them out of the race. So far I only know 1969 was a close one, but I think 1960-62 had some history too. Specifics would be great...about games and seasons, and especially Mr. Banks. Thanks so much!

[Fred Hornkohl]

Ernie Banks' CUBS teams never had a shot at the pennant. Although they finished second twice toward the end of his career, 8 games back in '69 and 5 games back in '70, those races were not as close as they appear to be.

 

year		 W	  L	place
1953		65	 89	 7
1954		64	 90	 7
1955		72	 81	 6
1956		60	 94	 8
1957		62	 92	 7
1958		72	 82	 5
1959		74	 80	 5
1960		60	 94	 7
1961		64	 90	 7
1962		59	103	 9
1963		82	 80	 7
1964		76	 86	 8
1965		72	 90	 8
1966		59	103	10
1967		87	 74	 3
1968		84	 78	 3
1969		92	 70	 2
1970		84	 78	 2
1971		83	 79	 3

[Coach C]

Man, looking at all the names of the players in the '69 team, that they should had made it to the playoffs.

 

Darn shame that Mr. Cub didn't get the oppturnity to get to play in the post-season, along with several other Cubs players.