2015 Topps Tribute Ernie Banks

These are the final Tribute cards I cherry-picked.

 

I grabbed both the base cards and a /99 Emerald parallel.  What I find most interesting is that the card lists him with two positions, 1B/SS.  Usually sets like this just list him as a shortstop.  The best years of his career were at short, but he actually played more games at first base.  Listing him as both makes sense.

Based on my incredible knowledge of all the major league ballparks, I can tell you that this picture of Mr. Cub was most certainly taken at Shea Stadium in 1969.  The date is easy because of the centennial patch on his right sleeve.  But the location, that was tougher, with the background being blurred.

But our good friends at Topps made it easy for me because they like to repeat things.

But our good friends at Topps made it easy for me because they like to repeat things.

But our good friends at Topps made it easy for me because they like to repeat things.

The picture has been used before-- that's Shea.

In fact, the shot has been used...

...several times!  The top four cards are all from 2001 sets.  The bottom four are from 2012-2014.

Mr. Cub is also a staple on the Tribute checklist.  Of the eleven times the set has been released, Ernie had been included nine times.

And each time a different picture has been used.

So far.