Ernie Banks

Few players brought as much joy and charisma to the game as Ernie Banks, the beloved “Mr. Cub.” The first Black player in Chicago Cubs history, Banks debuted in 1953 and went on to become a two-time National League MVP and 14-time All-Star. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and signature phrase, “Let’s play two!”, Banks played every game with exuberance, even as he spent his entire career on a Cubs team that never made the postseason. Despite that, he hit over 500 home runs and redefined the role of the power-hitting shortstop.

Banks, a native of Dallas and a former Negro Leaguer, arrived in the Majors in the shadow of Jackie Robinson’s trailblazing, and he fully understood the responsibility that came with wearing a Major League uniform.  He became one of the most admired figures in the sport, forging bonds with fans of all backgrounds during a time when America was still deeply divided.

Robinson viewed Banks with great admiration as part of the next generation of stars who could carry on the legacy of the trailblazers.  In 2013, Ernie Banks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, a fitting tribute to a man whose smile helped change the face of baseball.