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."
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.