Mr. Cub to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
By Tony Rusch
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The medal is the "highest civilian award in the United States. It recognizes those individuals who have made an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."
Banks, affectionately known as "Mr. Cub", played all of his 19 seasons on the north side of Chicago in Cubby blue. His 2,583 hits, 512 home runs, and 11 All-Star games earned him an induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his first year of eligibility in 1977, as well as a spot on the MLB's All-Century team in 1999. He was the first NL player to win back-to-back MVP awards and is widely considered one of, if not the greatest player to ever wear the Cub's uniform.
Banks, 82, will receive the award along with former President Bill Clinton, media goliath Oprah Winfrey, and former North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith, among others.
"We've got the setting - sunshine, fresh air; we've got the team behind us so ... let's play two!" - Ernie Banks
