Banks was born in Dallas. He entered Negro league baseball in 1950 and played for the Kansas City Monarchs. During his tenure in Kansas City, he also served in the military. He began his major league career in 1953, signing with the Cubs. Banks made his first All-Star Game appearance in 1955. His best seasons came in 1958 and 1959, when he won back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards. He led the league in home runs in 1958 and was the league's RBI leader in 1958 and 1959. He led the NL again in home runs in 1960. Banks was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame his first year of eligibility, on August 8, 1977. During his induction speech, Banks said, "We've got the setting - sunshine, fresh air, the team behind us. So let's play two!" "Mr. Cub" passed away in January 2015.

This Louisville Slugger bat was signed in blue by Banks and inscribed, "Mr. Cub." This bat includes a Great Moments COA.