‘Mr. Cub’ Ernie Banks Dies at 83

Back-to-Back MVP and first-ballot Hall of Famer Ernie Banks has died at 83.

Taking the field as the first African-American player in Chicago Cubs history in 1953, Banks retired in 1971 as the best player in Chicago Cubs history.

The shortstop-turned-first-baseman hit 512 home runs, drove in 1,636 runs, and batted .274. But Mr. Cub remains known as much for what he didn’t do as for what he did: he never played in a postseason game during his 19-year career in the majors.

Banks leaves behind a plaque in Cooperstown, a statue in Chicago, a number no Cub will ever wear in Wrigley Field, a wife, and four children. He takes with him a “Let’s play two” spirit.