Ernie Banks Dies

[Kathianne]

I've never been a huge sports fan, but my dad and brother were. I remember hearing about Ernie, along with Mike Ditka, Johnny Morris, Brian Piccolo, Stan Makita, Bobby Hall...

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...123-story.html

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). His boundless enthusiasm and optimism personified what it meant to be a Cubs fan...

[jimnyc]

Another 500+ home run hitter. I think at one point he had a record for all star appearances too, but would have to look up and confirm, too early!

Rip, Ernie