Big names from sports and beyond pay respects to Mr. Cub
Big names from sports and beyond say #LetsPlayTwo
Ernie Banks spent 19 seasons playing for the Cubs, earning the famous nickname "Mr. Cub" in the process. On Friday, Banks passed away at the age of 83.
Banks was beloved in the city of Chicago and throughout the MLB community. He began his career with the Negro Leagues' Kansas City Monarchs, but joined the Cubs in 1953 and was the first black player to ever play for the franchise. After 14 All-Star appearances and two MVP awards, he retired following the 1971 season, racking up 512 HRs and 2,583 hits in the process. He loved baseball so much, his catchphrase became "let's play two," referring to a desire to play a doubleheader every day he could.
He earned induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977, elected on the first ballot. The Cubs retired his number in 1982:
In the years since, Banks still showed his love for the Cubs, returning to Wrigley Field on many occasions to lead fans in the traditional singing of Take Me Out to the Ball Game:
And even throwing out a first pitch or two:
As the baseball community learned of Mr. Cub's passing, many shared their thoughts, favorite memories and images of Banks on social media:
Mr Cub. What you have done for the game of baseball the city of Chicago and everyone you have ever touched will never be forgotten. RIP
- Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) January 24, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear the passing of Mr. Ernie Banks!!! What a Special Man!! Always put a smile on my face when seeing him!! #GodBlessYou
- Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) January 24, 2015
Mr. Lets Play 2!! You will be in our Hearts Forever!!
- Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) January 24, 2015
Doubleheader in heaven tomorrow. RIP Mr Cub...a true original...I'll never forget his wonderful smile and OPTIMISM.
- Chip Caray (@kapaya1234) January 24, 2015
Saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend Ernie Banks. Condolences to his family. He will deeply be missed. pic.twitter.com/7YM7gmimed
- Orlando Cepeda (@OrlandoCepeda30) January 24, 2015
God gave Ernie Banks the skills to be a great baseball player....And when he was through he became a disciple for our National Pastime @MLB
- Steve Garvey (@SteveGarvey6) January 24, 2015
Sad news hearing about Mr.Cub Ernie Banks passing Rest In Peace,True baseball legend #HOF #MrCub #LetsPlay2
- Randy Johnson (@RJ51Photos) January 24, 2015
Very sad to hear the passing of #ErnieBanks , loved the game and the game loved him. Gods peace be with you and your family.
- Mike Piazza (@mikepiazza31) January 24, 2015
"It's a great day for a ball game; let's play two!" R.I.P to the great (Mr. Cub) Ernie Banks! #legend http://t.co/8XzqI62UfS
- Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) January 24, 2015
"@ABC7Chicago: BREAKING: Cubs legend Ernie Banks, "Mr. Cub," has died." GOD bless the Banks family,friends and loved ones. Much Love.
- Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) January 24, 2015
RIP Mr. Cub Ernie Banks......thank you for all of your contributions to the game we both love! ��
- Jimmy Rollins (@JimmyRollins11) January 24, 2015
the legend the chicago icon pass away ERNIE BANKS maybe rhe best man i ever meet in baseball rip lets play 2y condolemce to his family
- Ozzie Guillen FND (@OzzieGuillen) January 24, 2015
Currently there are 306 enshrined in Baseball Hall of Fame..... #MrCub Ernie Banks takes a back seat 2 NONE of them.Gr8 player & gr8'er man.
- Dan Plesac (@Plesac19) January 24, 2015
Baseball has lost another legend #RIPMrCub pic.twitter.com/QPQs7BRbSA
- Jason Motte (@JMotte30) January 24, 2015
That's the smile of a guy who definitely wanted another game! #LetsPlayTwo pic.twitter.com/MefOOspYXX
- Jeremy Guthrie (@TheRealJGuts) January 24, 2015
Sad to hear of the passing of great HOF'er Ernie Banks. Condolences to his family and .@Cubs fans everywhere. Let's play 2 for Ernie!
- Jim Palmer (@Jim22Palmer) January 24, 2015
Oh man......I just heard the news, @BaseballHall Ernie Banks passed away. He was only 83. One of a kind. True friend and a gentleman @Cubs
- Dave Winfield (@DaveWinfieldHOF) January 24, 2015
So sad hearing the loss of Ernie Banks! As a @Cubs fan and playing for the organization it hurts me dearly, such a huge loss for baseball.
- David Aardsma (@TheDA53) January 24, 2015
Crushed to learn of passing of MR Cub -ERNIE BANKS - loved his spirit / smile & man could he play / Let's play 2 /thnx 4 the memories RIP
- Dick Vitale (@DickieV) January 24, 2015
Ernie Banks... We are going to all miss you. #Legend
- Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) January 24, 2015
RIP Ernie banks/ sad day for Chicago and cubs nation - great human being
- John Cusack (@johncusack) January 24, 2015
Ernie Banks was the first black player in Cubs history. That's how close we are to an unimaginable past in this country.
- Richard Roeper (@richardroeper) January 24, 2015
Rest in peace, Mr. Banks. pic.twitter.com/1ZtdPjvIhu
- Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) January 24, 2015
ernie banks was much more than baseball. he served as a reminder that you can always be nicer, do better, be more enthusiastic about life.
- Lana Berry (@Lana) January 24, 2015
Terrific man. RIP. RT @SportsCenter THIS JUST IN: Cubs Hall of Fame SS Ernie Banks dies at age of 83. pic.twitter.com/ZZH98XbXjn
- Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) January 24, 2015
To be a lifelong Cub and exude that much optimism ... A true treasure.
- Wayne Drehs (@espnWD) January 24, 2015
One of my favorite photos is Ernie receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. #Cubs pic.twitter.com/9fmcj3k2QF
- Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) January 24, 2015
#Bears send deepest condolences to Chicago Cubs on passing of legendary Hall of Famer Ernie Banks. #MrCub
- Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 24, 2015
My mom turned 83 today. Ernie Banks died today at 83. I have his 1956 Topps card (my favorite set) and everyone after pic.twitter.com/i0KrPDs5Gw
- John Buccigross (@Buccigross) January 24, 2015
@MLB @Cubs Ernie would ask me "how do you feel"? I feel terrible! You've left us! You e left us with lots of memories and joy.
- Johnny Bench (@Johnny_Bench5) January 24, 2015
The Wrigley Field marquee pays tribute to Mr. Cub on this somber night. pic.twitter.com/OxwtXxkHt4
- MLB (@MLB) January 24, 2015