Ernie Banks, Chicago's 'Mr. Cub' Dies at 83

Hall of Famer Ernie Banks died at the age of 83 on Friday night. The National League's first ever back-to-back MVP belted 512 career home runs while playing all 19 seasons with the Chicago Cubs.

Baseball great Ernie Banks, or "Mr. Cub," as he was known, died of unspecified causes in Chicago. He was 83 years old.

Ernie Banks was the first black player on the Chicago Cubs roster. Over the course of his career from 1953-71, he launched 512 home runs and snagged a Golden Glove award for his performance as shortstop. He won the MVP in 1958 and 1959. Banks was elected to the hall of fame in his first year of eligibility, in 1977.

But Banks is perhaps best known for his irrepressible optimism and enthusiasm for the game. As he was fond of saying: "It's a beautiful day, let's play two!" Banks received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013, in recognition for his contributions to American culture. "Ernie became known as much for his 512 home runs as for his cheer and his optimism, and his eternal faith that someday the Cubs would go all the way," President Obama said at the ceremony.

Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said, "[Banks] was a pioneer in the major leagues. And more importantly, he was the warmest and most sincere person I've ever known." Banks is survived by his wife, Liz.

 

 

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"Ernie Banks, Chicago's 'Mr. Cub' Dies at 83"