Ernie Banks, one of baseball’s most ebullient and optimistic ambassadors, died Friday, his wife, Liz, confirmed.
Known worldwide as “Mr. Cub,” Banks became the Cubs first African-American player on Sept. 17, 1953, and went on to become an 11-time All-Star and two-time National League Most Valuable Player (1958-59).
Banks, who hit 512 home runs and had 1,636 RBIs, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977.
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WGN Radio coverage of the death of Ernie Banks.
Chicago Tribune: Cubs legend Ernie Banks died of a heart attack.
Bob Sirott’s Chicago Tribune tribute: Ernie Banks: Under his spell (requires digitalPLUS subscription)
From our archives:
Cubs Confidential with Ernie Banks, hosted by David Kaplan. (March, 2011)
David Kaplan hosts Cubs Corner from Wildfire Chicago with Cubs legends Ernie Banks and Billy Williams. (August 1, 2013)
The Cubs legend Ernie Banks joins Bob and Marianne to discuss the new movie “42” and much more. (May, 2013)
One of the greatest athletes and individuals this city has ever known, Ernie Banks, remembers back on his storied career, plus comments on the steroid era and the future of Wrigley Field. (WGN Sports Night, March 28, 2013)
Ernie Banks joins Pete McMurray in the Showcase Studios to discuss his recent award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. (August 14, 2013)
Mr. Cub joins WGN Sports Night to discuss MLB honoring his relentless civil rights efforts. (April 7, 2011)
Bob and Marianne welcome Cubs legend Ernie Banks to the Sunday Night Radio Special. (April 25, 2012)
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