Ernie Banks – "Mr. Cub"
Ernie Banks (January 31, 1931 – January 23, 2015) was one of baseball's most beloved players. Nicknamed "Mr. Cub" and "Mr. Sunshine", he played his entire 19-year MLB career (1953–1971) with the Chicago Cubs.
Born in Dallas, Texas, Banks began in the Negro Leagues with the Kansas City Monarchs. He served in the U.S. military, then signed directly with the Cubs in 1953 — becoming the first Black player in franchise history.
- Home runs: 512
- RBIs: 1,636
- Batting average: .274
- 14× All-Star
- NL MVP: 1958 & 1959 (first to win consecutive MVPs in NL)
- Gold Glove: 1960
Despite the Cubs never reaching the World Series in his era, Banks stayed positive. His iconic line:
"It's a beautiful day for a ballgame... Let's play two!"
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977 (first ballot), his #14 retired by the Cubs in 1982. Ernie passed away in 2015, remembered as baseball's ultimate ambassador of joy.
