Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks dies at the age of 83

Chicago Cubs legend and Hall-of-Famer Ernie Banks died on Friday at the age of 83, the Cubs said in a statement.

Banks was the first player in Cubs history to have his number retired, in 1982, and holds many of the franchise’s records.

Enjoying a stellar 19-year career as an infielder, Banks was a perennial All Star and two-time MVP.

Having retired in 1971, Banks still leads the Cubs’ all-time number of games played (2528) and extra-base hits (1009).

He also finished his career with 2583 hits and 1636 RBIs.

Nicknamed “Mr Cub”, Banks spent his entire career with the tough-luck franchise and never played in a post-season.

In 2013, Banks received the highest honour awarded to a civilian when he was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

Mr Obama hailed his “cheer and his optimism and his eternal faith that someday the Cubs would go all the way”.