RESOLUTION
Whereas, Ernie Banks has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 83; and
Whereas, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
Whereas, Affectionately known by generations of fans as "Mr. Cub" and "Mr. Sunshine," Ernie Banks played for his entire major league baseball career with the Chicago Cubs; and
Whereas, The pride of Wrigley Field, Ernie Banks made his major league debut with the Chicago Cubs in 1953 and became the team's first African-American player; and
Whereas, Regarded as one of the best baseball players of all time, Ernie Banks played with the Chicago Cubs for 19 seasons from 1953 to 1971; and
Whereas, During his long and illustrious professional baseball career, Ernie Banks hit 512 home runs, made 2,583 hits and boasted 1,636 runs batted in; and
WJiereas, Ernie Banks played in 14 All-Star games and was renowned above all else for his infectious love of the sport to which he dedicated his life; and
Whereas, When Ernie Banks ended his baseball career in 1971, the Chicago Cubs bestowed upon him the distinction of being the first player to have his jersey retired by the organization; and
Whereas, Ernie Banks was officially inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977, his first year of eligibility, and in 2008 a statue of Ernie Banks was unveiled outside Wrigley Field to honor his remarkable career; and
Whereas, In 2009 the Library of Congress declared Ernie Banks "a living legend," a designation recognizing his significant contributions to America's diverse cultural and social heritage; and
Whereas, In 2013 President Barack Obama presented Ernie Banks with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to sports; and
WJiereas, A star both on and off the field, Ernie Banks will always be remembered as a true gentleman, a fan favorite and an ambassador for the game of baseball; now, therefore
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor, and the members of the Chica...
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