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:
Statement from Commissioner Selig on the passing of Ernie Banks: pic.twitter.com/sidygEYGzY
— MLB Public Relations (@MLB_PR) January 24, 2015
Among the others to pay their respects to the Cubs legend:
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
Ernie Banks' stats don't matter. What matters is that you'll never hear a bad word about him from the thousands of people who met him. #RIP
— keithlaw (@keithlaw) January 24, 2015
RIP Ernie banks/ sad day for Chicago and cubs nation - great human being
— John Cusack (@johncusack) January 24, 2015
Did a card show w Ernie Banks. He drove the promoter crazy! Spent time/talked with every person. After an hour had signed maybe 15. #MrCub
— Dale Murphy (@DaleMurphy3) January 24, 2015
Ernie Banks... We are going to all miss you. #Legend
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) January 24, 2015
Take the enthusiasm and spirit of Ernie Banks and incorporate that in to your life .His smile and glow was contagious pic.twitter.com/r5wkbM1JkS
— chuck swirsky (@swirsk054) January 24, 2015
The Cardinals organization sends its deepest sympathy to Chicago Cubs family on the passing of a legend, Mr. Cub Ernie Banks. #LetsPlay2 #14
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) January 24, 2015
RIP "Mr Cub" Ernie Banks...thank you for your great contributions to the game of baseball!
— David Price (@DAVIDprice14) January 24, 2015
Statement from Exec. Dir. Tony Clark regarding the death of Ernie Banks. pic.twitter.com/ZJYo26rmye
— MLBPA (@MLB_PLAYERS) January 24, 2015
This must happen. RT @daynperry: Ernie Banks debuted on 9/17/53. Cubs should make 9/17 Ernie Banks Day and play an annual home doubleheader.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 24, 2015