Banks on the move

Former Wild Things first baseman Ernie Banks is changing teams again.

Banks, pictured, was acquired by the Southern Illinois Miners in a trade that sent outfielder Stephen Holdren and relief pitcher Derrick Miramontes to the River City Rascals. Southern Illinois is Banks' third Frontier League team in less than a year.

Banks played in only 77 games last year but hit 24 home runs, which ranked fifth in the league. Banks also made the FL's year-end all-star team. With shortstop Tony Roth and outfielder Joey Metropoulos, the Miners now have three of the nine hitters from that all-star list.

"This is as big a deal as we have done with the Miners," Southern Illinois manager Mike Pinto said. "And it's a great trade for both teams. It brings us a bonafide middle of the order power hitter. Ernie not only hits for power but also for average and on-base percentage. Just as important, Ernie plays the game with intensity and with a will to win. He is very competitive, and I believe he will flourish here this season. As an LS-2 in our league, this is a great pickup for us."

Southern Illinois had to give up a lot for banks. Holdren .311 with 20 home runs and 56 RBIs last year. The three-time all-star has 63 career home runs, which ranks fifth in Frontier League history.