The shortstop was drafted by the Angels in the first round in 1969, but decided to play college ball at Arizona State, where he became a two-time All-American. The Phillies made him their first round pick in 1973, but when he arrived in Philadelphia a year later, he was stuck behind some guy named Larry something. Bowa, I think it was. Yeah.
Bannister split time between Philadelphia and AAA in 1974 and 1975, playing in just 50 games and hitting .221. In December 1975, Bannister and pitcher Dick Ruthven were traded to the White Sox for 37-year-old pitcher Jim Kaat and shortstop Mike Buskey.
The not-so-slick fielding Bannister became the Sox regular shortstop in 1977, and he made 40 errors that season, while hitting .275. Injuries limited his playing time in 1978, but in 1979, he played both second base and center field and had his best season as a starter, hitting .283.
Bannister was with the White Sox until a June 1980 trade sent him to Cleveland. He remained with the Indians through the 1983 season, and had stops with the Astros and Rangers before his career wrapped up in 1985.
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