Ernie Banks will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor given to United States civilians, from President Barack Obama in November.
Ernie Banks to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
The former Chicago Cubs star joins an impressive list of big leaguers to receive the highest honor given to civilians in the United States.
David Banks
Banks, 82, spent his entire 19-year career with the Chicago Cubs. He hit .274 with 512 home runs and 1,636 RBI, making him one of the greatest shortstops to ever play the game. Banks has remained an influential member around baseball since retiring from the game in 1971. He recently spoke with MLB Network prior to Tuesday night's Cubs game.
“When you do things to try to help people and share things, it really comes back to you. I try to do that,” Banks told MLB.com’s Carrie Muskat. “I love the players, love Wrigley Field, love all the players. ... This award means a lot to me. It’s almost like the Nobel Peace Prize to me.”
To this day, Banks remains one of the nicest and most beloved people in Major League Baseball. He joins an extensive list of former big leaguers to receive the Medal of Freedom, including Hank Aaron and Jackie Robinson. Stan Musial was the last player to receive the award, in February 2011.
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