Former Chicago Cub and trailblazing ball player Ernie Banks died on Friday.
Banks was signed to the Cubs in 1953 after playing in the Negro league and was the team’s first African American players.
He would stay with the Chicago Cubs for the entirety of his career – a total of 18 years, making his final appearance on Sept. 26, 1971. Throughout the course of his career he was named an All-Star 14 times, was named the National League MVP twice, and was the recipient of the 1960 Golden Glove award.
His number (14) has been retired by the Chicago Cubs organization. In 1977 he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot.
He was also named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team alongside other legendary players such as Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Lou Gherig and Mickey Mantle.
Aside from his career in baseball, Banks served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War.
In 2013, Banks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the nation’s highest civilian honor – for his contributions to the sport of baseball.
He was given this honor alongside President Bill Clinton, legendary Washington Post editor-in-chief Ben Bradlee and broadcaster/producer Oprah Winfrey.
Banks is survived by his wife Liz. She spoke in a press conference earlier this week.
ESPN’s article Ernie Banks suffered heart attack quotes Liz Banks as follows: “It is certainly a sad day for us. I’d like to thank everyone for being here. … He was very beloved and he is going to be dearly missed by family, friends and all of his fans.”
In the wake of the news of Banks’ passing, there were many high profile tributes given to man known to the city as Mr. Cub.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in an official statement: “Ernie Banks’ legacy extends far beyond his Hall of Fame states. He was beloved by generations of people for the way he played on the field and — more importantly — for the kind and warm person he was off the field.”
The mayor also said that on Wednesday the statue of Banks located at Wrigley Field would be moved into Daley Plaza until Saturday to honor the legendary player.
On Jan. 25, President Obama released this statement: “Michelle and I send our condolences to the family of Ernie Banks, and to every Chicagoan and baseball fan who loved him…Somewhere, the sun is shining, the air is fresh, his team’s behind him, and Mr. Class — “Mr. Cub” — is ready to play two.”
ERNIE BANKS
“MR. CUB”
January 31, 1931 – January 23, 2015
Brian Laughran
Editor-in-Chief