Banks’ last game was on Sept. 26, 1971. While he never played in any postseason games, he participated in 14 All-Star Games and ended his career with 512 home runs. Banks still holds Cubs team records for extra base hits (1,009), games played (2,528), at-bats (9,421) and total bases (4,706).
“We mourn the passing of a baseball icon whose eternal optimism and zest for life were unsurpassed,” said Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson. “After hitting his 500th home run, Ernie summed up his feelings by saying: ‘The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money.’ That was the essence of Ernie Banks.
“There was no one who adored the Cubs and the city of Chicago more than Ernie. He once asked me who was in charge of the Seven Wonders of the World. When I asked him why, he told me that he heard they were being re-evaluated and that he wanted to be sure Wrigley Field made the list.
“RIP Mr. Cub. You will be missed and revered in Cooperstown. Wish we could play two.”