RIP Ernie Banks

[gobigred]

"Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks has died at 83, just days before his 84th birthday, the club confirmed.

"There's sunshine, fresh air, and the team's behind us," Ernie Banks said during his Hall of Fame induction speed in 1977. "Let's play two!"
"Words cannot express how important Ernie Banks will always be to the Chicago Cubs, the city of Chicago and Major League Baseball. He was one of the greatest players of all time," Tom Ricketts, chairman of the Cubs, said in a statement released by the team. "He was a pioneer in the major leagues. And more importantly, he was the warmest and most sincere person I've ever known.

"Approachable, ever optimistic and kind hearted, Ernie Banks is and always will be Mr. Cub. My family and I grieve the loss of such a great and good-hearted man, but we look forward to celebrating Ernie's life in the days ahead."

A 19-year-old Banks debuted for the Kansas City Monarchs of the ***** leagues in 1950. After a two-year stint in the Army, Banks returned to the Monarchs, who sold his contract to the Chicago Cubs in 1953.

Banks made his debut for the Cubs in 1953, as the team's first black player. He played in 14 All-Star Games, hit 512 home runs and was the first National League player to win back-to-back MVP honors. He was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977, his first year eligible.

Banks is the Cubs' leader in games played (2,528), at-bats (9,421), plate appearances (10,395) and extra-base hits (1,009). He is second in home runs, hits (2,583) and RBIs (1,636).

For all of the 19 seasons and 2,528 games Banks played in a Cubs uniform, he never played in the postseason.

Banks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor awarded to civilians in the United States, by President Barack Obama in 2013.

Ernie Banks, former Chicago Cubs great, dies at age 83 - ESPN Chicago

 

[Dolemite censored]

"Let's play 2."

 

[Dolemite censored]

[YOUTUBE]d_tfPILCP-4[/YOUTUBE]

 

[williewilliejuan]

RIP Mr. Cub.

 

[calsnowskier]

Never saw him play. He was done LONG before my time. But sad to see one of the greats check out.

 

[whywork2]

My pa took the family to see him when I was a pup. Always liked the man. Great ambassador for the game RIP.

 

[wood20ks]

Its sad another great has came and gone..........


And whats even sadder..........Espn had credits of Ernie rolling about he is the record holder of most games played with out a post season playoff game.....jeers to Espn.


And Ernie you`ll always be a winner:

 

[GNG]

Mr. Cub passed away

Reaction to the death of Chicago Cubs great Ernie Banks - Yahoo Sports.

 

[douggie]

Wow, one of my very first baseball cards ever was EB.

 

[tducey]

Indeed, one of the best baseball players of all time. RIP.

 

[GNG]

"Let's play 2."

Ernie Banks love the game and was an eternal optimist despite playing for such a pathetic team his whole career.

 

[Kevin12773]

Funeral on mlb network now. RIP MR CUB