Ernie Banks 1970 Game Worn & Signed Jersey | '500th Home Run'

Purchased from a Cubs Minor League affiliate and subsequently sold to a private collector

The 500 home run club is one of the most exclusive groups in baseball. Only 28 players in Major League Baseball history have ever reached the gilded slugging plateau, including the likes of Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Ted Williams. Hall of Fame Chicago Cubs legend, Ernie Banks, aka “Mr. Cub”, was the 9th to enter the Club when he hit his 500th career home run on May 12th, 1970 into left-center field against the Atlanta Braves’ pitcher Pat Jarvis. 

Banks, who would end his career with 512 home runs (that figure would undoubtedly be higher if he did not start his career in the Negro Leagues), also retired with Major League record for home runs as shortstop with 277, a record eventually broken by Cal Ripken Jr. 

Sotheby’s is pleased to present Banks’ jersey that he wore when he hit his 500th career home run. The timeless Chicago Cubs white jersey features the iconic “C” red logo on the chest and royal blue pinstripes. Below the logo is a signature in sharpie from Ernie Banks with the inscription “Mr. Cub”. The interior collar bears an embroidered swatch recounting the pertinent details of the garment: "14-70-1-40." The "1970" vintage is repeated above the "Wilson 40" tag on the lower left tail. The reverse has Bank’s #14, which the Cubs retired in 1982.

The jersey is accompanied by a photomatch letter from Meigray. A letter from James Spence Authentication accompanies the signature. 

Going Deeper | Ernie Banks

Ernie Banks, affectionately known as "Mr. Cub," was one of the most iconic and beloved figures in the history of baseball. His illustrious career spanned over two decades, during which he left an indelible mark on the game and endeared himself to fans around the world. 

Ernie Banks was born on January 31, 1931, in Dallas, Texas. He began his professional baseball career in the Negro Leagues before being signed by the Kansas City Monarchs. In 1953, Banks made his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago Cubs, quickly establishing himself as a rising star with his exceptional talent and infectious enthusiasm.

Banks spent his entire 19-year MLB career with the Chicago Cubs, becoming one of the most iconic players in franchise history. Primarily a shortstop and first baseman, he earned numerous accolades and awards throughout his career, including 14 All-Star selections and two National League MVP awards (1958 and 1959).

Banks was known for his remarkable power at the plate, hitting 512 career home runs and driving in over 1,600 runs. He was the first shortstop in MLB history to hit over 40 home runs in a single season, achieving this feat in both 1955 and 1958. Banks' signature phrase, "Let's play two," reflected his enduring love for the game and his unwavering dedication to his craft.

In 1977, Banks was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. His impact on the game extended far beyond his playing days, as he continued to serve as an ambassador for baseball and a beloved figure within the Chicago Cubs organization until his passing in 2015.