By Ed Payne
CNN
(CNN) — Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks died Friday in Chicago, family attorney Mark Bogan said. Banks was 83.
“I have been authorized by Liz Banks, Ernie’s wife, to let the media know that Ernie passed away Friday in Chicago,” Bogan said. “The family will be holding a press conference Sunday.”
“Words cannot express how important Ernie Banks will always be to the Chicago Cubs, the city of Chicago and Major League Baseball,” Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement. “He was one of the greatest players of all time.
“He was a pioneer in the major leagues. And more importantly, he was the warmest and most sincere person I’ve ever known. Approachable, ever optimistic and kindhearted, Ernie Banks is and always will be Mr. Cub. My family and I grieve the loss of such a great and good-hearted man, but we look forward to celebrating Ernie’s life in the days ahead.”
The-CNN-Wire
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