Before Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks smacked 512 career home runs, earned 14 All-Star selections and won back-to-back MVPs, he was a 22-year-old Negro League shortstop looking for a job in the majors.
Based on scout Hugh Wise's evaluation of the young K.C. Monarch, Banks had the look of a Hall of Fame talent - on and off the field - before ever stepping foot on a major league diamond.
Scouting report on young Ernie Banks (1931-2015): pic.twitter.com/yVnlwl05RP
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) January 24, 2015
Banks, who went on to become the first African-American player in Cubs history, died Friday at the age of 83. Click here for reaction and commentary on his death.