Baseball lost one of its greatest men Friday when former Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks died at the age of 83 due to a heart attack.

Banks had a laundry list of accomplishments, including but not limited to two MVP awards, 14 All-Star selections, 512 home runs, over 2,500 hits and membership in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Banks played shortstop, but he was mostly known for being the Cubs’ first baseman.

Banks’ contributions went far beyond the diamond, though. The man known as Mr. Cub was a prominent figure in the city of Chicago. He ran for Alderman during his playing days, founded a successful charity organization and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. Mayor Rahm Emanuel described him as one of Chicago’s best ambassadors, and a statue of Banks sits prominently outside of Wrigley Field.

Banks is one of baseball’s greatest figures, someone who worked hard at his craft while also contributing more than home runs and hits to society. Banks worked when he wasn’t playing baseball and always did his best to use his abilities to help others. He was described as one of the friendliest, most genuine people in the sport. He was never one to turn down fans and was one of the most approachable stars in any sport.

Ernie Banks was a great player, as evidenced by his stats and achievements during his career. What makes him a truly special individual is the way he has touched so many people in his life. Sometimes professional athletes can be overpaid jerks who don’t seem to care much about those who follow them. Banks is a reminder that athletes are people too. He is an example of someone who used the wealth and status achieved from being a professional athlete to try and help out the world around him.

Regardless of whether fans love the Cubs or even baseball itself, hopefully Banks is remembered as one of the greatest men to also be an athlete.