President Obama, baseball world react to Ernie Banks' death

Ernie Banks' death continues to elicit reaction from inside the baseball world and beyond, remembering the Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer just as much for his reputation off the field as his stellar play on it.

From President Obama to actor John Cusack, here's a sampling of the reaction triggered by Banks' passing.

President Obama issued this statement on Banks, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the White House in 2013.

Michelle and I send our condolences to the family of Ernie Banks, and to every Chicagoan and baseball fan who loved him.

Ernie came up through the Negro Leagues, making $7 a day. He became the first African-American to play for the Chicago Cubs, and the first number the team retired. Along the way, he became known as much for his 512 home runs and back-to-back National League MVPs as for his cheer, his optimism,, and his love of the game. As a Hall-of-Famer, Ernie was an incredible ambassafor for baseball, and for the city of Chicago. He was beloved by baseball everywhere, including Michelle, who, when she was a girl, used to sit with her dad and watch him play on TV. And in 2013, it was my honor to present Ernie with the Presidential Medial of Freedom.

Somewhere, the sun is shining, the air is fresh, his team's behind him, and Mr. Class - "Mr. Cub" - is ready to play two.

Commissioner Bud Selig, who is set to step down from his position Sunday, also weighed in on Banks' contributions to the sport:

Among the others to pay their respects to the Cubs legend: