Ernie Banks, the legendary Chicago Cubs baseball player and Hall of Famer, died at age 83 on Friday night in Chicago, a spokesperson for his family said.
The news of his death was confirmed to the Chicago Sun Times and ABC Chicago.
Known as "Mr. Cub," the ebullient Banks played shortstop and first base for the Chicago Cubs from 1953 to 1971, netting 512 home runs and 1,636 RBIs. Known for his smile and always being eager to play, he was often heard saying, "Let's play two!" Former Cubs manager Dusty Baker said of Banks in 2013, “I just remember Ernie was never in a bad mood."
Known as "Mr. Cub," the ebullient Banks played shortstop and first base for the Chicago Cubs from 1953 to 1971, netting 512 home runs and 1,636 RBIs. Known for his smile and always being eager to play, he was often heard saying, "Let's play two!" Former Cubs manager Dusty Baker said of Banks in 2013, “I just remember Ernie was never in a bad mood."
Banks first played in the Negro leagues, becoming the first black player to play for the Cubs in 1953. He started out his pro-ball career with a bang, hitting .314 in his first season, and the following year came in second in Rookie of the Year voting. He would spend his whole career with the team, endearing himself to the city. In a Chicago Sun-Times poll conducted in 1969, he was voted the "Greatest Cub Ever."
Banks was honored as an All-Star fourteen times, and was named the National League MVP in 1958 and 1959. He later became the first player to have his number retired by the Cubs. Banks was inducted into the Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1977.
In November 2013, Banks was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama, the highest honor awarded to civilians, the Sun Times reported.
In November 2013, Banks was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama, the highest honor awarded to civilians, the Sun Times reported.
Banks was born in Dallas in 1931, and had 10 siblings. He would have turned 84 on Saturday.
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