Jeff Banister - Harrisburg Senators - 1988-1990

Longtime Senators fans already know the story of catcher Jeff Banister, but it is well worth repeating.

Banister overcame bone cancer, which nearly caused him to have his leg removed. He also had ostemeomyelitis which is an Infection of Bone or bone marrow. He ended up having 7 surgeries on his left leg and ankle due to the infection. Then he had a crushed vertebra in a play at home plate, while playing baseball at a Junior College. All long he continues to keep focus of his dream to play in the Major Leagues.

Banister was picked in the 25th Round of the 1986 draft by the Pirates and debuted for the Senators two-years later, in 1988. He played 3 seasons for the Senators from 1988-1990. He hit .259 in 1988, .238 in 1989 and .269 in 1990. He was named as the Eastern League All-Star catcher in 1989.

After overcoming numerous battles with his heath and 7 long seasons in the minors Banister received “the call” in July 1991, his “obsession” of playing in the Majors finally came true. His stint in the majors only lasted 5 days but in his only at bat, he beat out a grounder to shortstop for a hit. This defined Jeff as a player (and person) as he always played with passion, determination, never quit and had a genuine love of the game. He made the most of the opportunity presented to him and delivered in his only Major League at-bat. His at bat was re-played on Sportscenter and by the local news channels. I will always remember the big smile he had and the pure joy that showed on his face while standing at first base.

His playing days ended in 1993 and he began his ‘life after baseball’ (well kind of). He managed minor league baseball from 1994 until 1996; also briefly in 2004. He then became the Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Field Coordinator from 1999-2002. He has served as the Pirates Minor League Field Coordinator since 2003.

Jeff’s story has all the twists and turns of a good Hollywood movie; over coming adversity, determination, hard work, perseverance and never losing track of his goal/”obsession” of making the big leagues.