The sporting world in general and baseball in particular were saddened to hear the news of the passing of Hall of Famer Ernie Banks late Friday night.
Spending his entire 18-year major league career with the Chicago Cubs, where he not only made his debut but ushered in a new era for the Cubs as their first black player, Banks was a 14-time All Star, 2-time National League MVP, and 2-time National League home run and RBI champion, playing as a shortstop between 1953 and 1961 and moving to first base from 1961 until his retirement in 1971. Following his retirement, he remained with the Cubs as a coach until 1973, and was also a coach at the minor-league level as well as working in the front office for the Cubs. He was honored with enshrinement in Cooperstown as a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 1977, and was also chosen as a member of the MLB All-Century Team in 1999.
His career statistics:
Career batting average: .274
Hits: 2583 (86th all time)
Home runs: 512 (22nd all time)
RBI: 1636 (29th all time)
It is not difficult to see why Banks earned the nickname “Mr. Cub” after reading public statements like these:
“I wanted to finish my career with one team, in one city, one mayor, one park, one owner. I did that,” Banks said then. “The Wrigleys owned the team. We played all of our home games at Wrigley Field during the daytime. So my career was very unique and I am proud of it. I have been involved in the city of Chicago and with Little Leagues all around the city and suburbs. It was a fun and enjoyable time both on the field and off the field. Now I meet a lot of people who used to come out to Wrigley Field when they were kids and they are older now. They still remember those days.”
One of the final accolades Banks received in his storied career and life was the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded to him in 2013 by President Barack Obama, who had the following to say about him:
“That’s Mr. Cub — the man who came up through the Negro Leagues, making $7 a day, and became the first black player to suit up for the Cubs and one of the greatest hitters of all time. In the process, 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.”
The tributes have begun pouring in. Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts released the following statement:
Chairman Tom Ricketts on Mr. Cub. pic.twitter.com/eQsApy2tMa
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 24, 2015
Statement from Rahm Emanuel on the passing of Mr Cub pic.twitter.com/7PkP53SZXf
— Early & Often (@CSTearlyoften) January 24, 2015
Ernie Banks as a member of the Kansas City Monarchs. One of baseball's greatest players & personalities! #RIP pic.twitter.com/dbDaLej7dc
— negroleaguesmuseum (@nlbmprez) January 24, 2015
Sad to hear of the passing of great HOF'er Ernie Banks. Condolences to his family and .@Cubs fans everywhere. Let's play 2 for Ernie!
— Jim Palmer (@Jim22Palmer) January 24, 2015
President Obama releases a statement on the passing of Hall-of-Famer Ernie Banks: pic.twitter.com/QfV7CTDjD1
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 24, 2015
Banks, who was also a military veteran who served in Germany during the Korean War before his MLB career began, is survived by his wife Liz. TheAOSN.com would like to extend our condolences to Ms. Banks, the Chicago Cubs organization and its fanbase, and Major League Baseball on the passing of a true legend of the sport.
(Featured image: AP Photo/File)