It was opening day 1961 in Cincinnati, and the opposing pitcher was Jim O'Toole. The young infielder made his presence felt immediately. In his first at-bat as a Cub, Andre cracked a home run. (The Cubs lost 7-1)
The Cubs had high hopes for Andre, and eventually moved Ernie Banks to first base to open up a spot for Rodgers in the infield, but while his fielding was pretty impressive at times (he led the league in range, put-outs, and assists in 1963), that first at-bat homer was not exactly a sign of things to come.
He hit a total of 28 homers in his 4 plus seasons with the Cubs, and was traded to the Pirates after the 1964 season.
