Baseball Star Ernie Banks Dies At 83

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A baseball legend known for his optimism through very tough times has died.

Ernie Banks died Friday evening at the age of 83.

Many simply knew him as "Mr. Cub."

Banks hit 512 home runs during his 19-year career with the Chicago Cubs.

Despite the fact that most of those were losing years, Banks was fond of saying, "It's a great day for baseball. Let's play two."

Banks played just one game as a major leaguer in Minnesota. The game took place on July 13, 1965 and he started at first base for the National League in the All-Star Game at Met Stadium.

That boundless enthusiasm for the game made him hard to cheer against.

He was named MVP twice and inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

A cause of death was not given.