Earnie Banks

Earnie Banks (December 17, 1931 – January 23, 2015) was an American professional baseball player who became one of the most beloved figures in Chicago Cubs history. Born in Dallas, Texas, Banks broke racial barriers in baseball during the 1950s, joining the Cubs in 1953 and becoming the first African American player in franchise history. Despite playing for teams that rarely contended for championships, Banks maintained an infectious enthusiasm for the game, famously declaring 'Let's play two!' He was a 14-time All-Star, two-time National League MVP (1958, 1959), and accumulated 512 home runs during his 19-season career, all with Chicago. Banks was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977 and remained an iconic ambassador for the sport and the Cubs organization until his death. His legacy transcends baseball statistics; he is remembered as a pioneer who maintained grace and optimism throughout his career, inspiring generations of players and fans.