Baseball legend Ernie "Mr. Cub" Banks dies at 83
buzzz worthy. . . Ernie Banks received the Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama. WHITE HOUSE PHOTO He was the first Black player on the Chicao Cubs baseball team. The color barrier was just one of many barriers Ernie Barnes broke in his lifetime, including being one of the early Black athletes selected for product endorsements and the first Black to manage a team. Chicago (AFP) - Hall of Fame infielder Ernie Banks, who was affectionately dubbed "Mr Cub" by the Wrigley Field faithful, passed away Friday. He was 83. Banks, the Cubs' first-ever black player, played shortstop and first base, and was a 14-time all-star who played for Chicago from 1953-1971. He was the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1958 and 1959 and he blasted 512 homers in 19 seasons of Major League Baseball before being elected to the Hall of Fame in 1977. US President Barack Obama and first Lady Michelle sent their condolences to Banks's ...