MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds joined Off The Mound with Ryan Dempster to give some insight on Ernie Banks’ journey to becoming a Chicago Cubs.

“He signed and played with the [Kansas City] Monarchs, and Buck [O’Neil] was moving on to be a scout for the Cubs,” Reynolds said. “He got a chance to talk to ownership in Chicago and said, ‘I got this kid. I’m telling you we need to sign Ernie Banks.’ He talked Ernie into coming to Chicago to work out and before you know it, he ended up signing with the Cubs…There is no Ernie Banks in Chicago without that relationship with Buck O’Neil.”

Reynolds also gave some historical knowledge on the Negro League’s growth and impact on the city of Chicago.

Tune in every Friday for a new episode of Off the Mound with Ryan Dempster on Marquee Sports Network.