If it wasn't for the Korean War and Negro Leagues...

[MyDogSparty]

...do you think Ernie Banks would have played at least one more season with the Cubs?

History:

At 17 (1948) Banks signed with the Amarillo Colts, an all-black barnstorming (exhibition) team. This is also the year Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and played for the Dodgers.
At 19 (1950) he signed with the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League.
At 20 (1951) He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
At 21 (1952) He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
At 22 (1953) He returned from the war to the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro League. After the season he signed with the Chicago Cubs, becoming the first African American player for the Cubs. Banks debuted in the major leagues with the Cubs on September 17, 1953.

I realize there's no sure answer, I was hoping to hear some opinions on the topic.

[brett]

...do you think Ernie Banks would have played at least one more season with the Cubs?

History:

At 17 (1947) Banks signed with the Amarillo Colts, an all-black barnstorming (exhibition) team. This is also the year Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and played for the Dodgers.
At 19 (1950) he signed with the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League.
At 20 (1951) He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
At 21 (1952) He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
At 22 (1953) He returned from the war to the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro League. After the season he signed with the Chicago Cubs, becoming the first African American player for the Cubs. Banks debuted in the major leagues with the Cubs on September 17, 1953.

I realize there's no sure answer, I was hoping to hear some opinions on the topic.

Its possible, but it looks ALMOST as likely to me that had it not been for the Korean War and the majors not been thinned a little he could have lost a year.

[ol' aches and pains]

Actually, Banks and 2nd baseman Gene Baker were called up together (I suspect so a white player wouldn't have to room with Banks), so they share the distinction of first black players on the Cubs.

[Dude Paskert]

Actually, Banks and 2nd baseman Gene Baker were called up together (I suspect so a white player wouldn't have to room with Banks), so they share the distinction of first black players on the Cubs.

The Cubs helpfully tried to give the DP combo the nicknames "Bingo" and "Bango"...I actually can't think of a clever enough comment to follow up that gem.
I guess the Cubs said, "Let's call up two", and Banks replied, "Let's PLAY two."