Ernie Banks said nine years ago that his ultimate goal in life was to become the first former professional athlete to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
For now, the Baseball Hall of Fame infielder from the Chicago Cubs gladly will settle for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the nation’s highest civilian honor
Banks, 82, and former North Carolina basketball coaching legend Dean Smith will be the recipients of this prestigious award from President Barack Obama.
The award is bestowed on individuals “who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests to the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”
Smith, also 82, coached the Tar Heels from 1961-97. He won two national championships. A civil rights advocate in the '60s, Smith was the winningest coach in college basketball history when he retired.
_________________ favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."
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