Tribute to "Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks

Photo credit: Thebaseballpage.com

     The baseball community lost a legend yesterday.  Ernie Banks, known belovedly as "Mr. Cub," died on January 23, 2015 at the age of 83, the Cubs announced through a statement by Tom Ricketts, chairman of the Chicago Cubs:

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,  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.

Ernie Banks was not only a beloved Cub, but a Major League Baseball Two Time MVP, winning in 1958 and again in 1959, and a Hall of Famer accumulating 519 home runs over a 19 year career.   In fact, Banks was never in the post-season with his Cubs, since they consistently faired below .500 in all but six of Banks's seasons with the team.  It didn't matter, though, because Banks was voted into the Hall of Fame the first time his name appeared on the ballot.  Everyone in the baseball community respected his talent and his attitude.  He loved the game and it showed with his optimism in spite of his not-so-winning team record.

President Barack Obama was one of Ernie Banks' biggest fans, issuing this statement upon his learning the news of Banks' death:

Ernie came up through the Negro Leagues, making $7 a day. He became the first African-American to play for the Chicago Cubs, and the first number the team retired. Along the way, he became known as much for his 512 home runs and back-to-back National League MVPs as for his cheer, his optimism, and his love of the game. As a Hall-of-Famer, Ernie was an incredible ambassador for baseball, and for the city of Chicago. He was beloved by baseball fans everywhere, including Michelle, who, when she was a girl, used to sit with her dad and watch him play on TV. And in 2013, it was my honor to present Ernie with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Ernie Banks will always be remembered as "Mr. Cub" and the baseball game was honored to have had Banks as a member of their community.  If there is a baseball diamond in heaven, we can all rest assured Banks will be there ready to "play two."