Hall of Fame player Ernie Banks dead at 83

Hall of Fame player Ernie Banks dead at 83

Hall of Fame slugger Ernie Banks, the two-time MVP who never lost his boundless enthusiasm for baseball despite years of playing on losing Chicago Cubs teams, died Friday night. He was 83.

The Cubs announced Banks’ death, but did not provide a cause.

“Mr. Cub” hit 512 home runs during his 19-year career. He was fond of saying, “It’s a great day for baseball. Let’s play two!” That remains a catchphrase to this day at Wrigley Field.

“Words cannot express how important Ernie Banks will always be to the Chicago Cubs, the city of Chicago and Major League Baseball. He was one of the greatest players of all time,” Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement. “He was a pioneer in the major leagues. And more importantly, he was the warmest and most sincere person I’ve ever known.”

Connor leads Phantoms past RoughRiders

Cedar Rapids Iowa

Kyle Connor scored two goals and the Youngstown Phantoms defeated the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders 5-3.

Down 1-0 after the first period, Matt Alvaro scored to tie the game at one. Down 2-1, Connor scored his first of the night to tie the game at. The Phantoms pulled away in the third, scoring three goals including an empty-net goal. The Phantoms improve to 18-11-5. They play the RoughRiders tonight at 7:05.

Morales sets record for high jump at YSU

Sophomore Arnaldo Morales broke a nearly 16-year old school record in the high jump on Friday night as the Penguins played host to the YSU College Invitational at the WATTS. On his first attempt at 2.09 meters, Morales cleared the bar to eclipse the school mark of 2.08 meters set by Anwaa Martin on Feb. 20, 1999.

Phantoms Bantam AA team to compete today

The Youngstown Phantoms Bantam AA youth team is participating in this weekend’s International Silver Sticks Tournament, which takes place in Port Huron, MI. The Phantoms are members of the Pittsburgh Amateur Hockey League (PAHL), and currently boast an overall record of 26-9-4.

The Phantoms lost the two games played on Friday 4-3 and 5-3. Today’s game is set for 2 p.m. Depending on the result today, the Phantoms will be reseeded for Sunday’s competition.

Crestview to hold PAV class on Monday

Crestview will host a PAV (Pupil Activity Validation) class on Monday 5:30. It will be held in the Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 5. Tim Berger is the presenter.

Schmidt to speak at áurbstone luncheon

Youngstown State University assistant Athletic Director and men’s basketball radio announcer Robb Schmidt will be the guest speaker Monday at the weekly luncheon of The Curbstone Coaches at Lucianno’s Banquet Center in the Wedgewood Plaza in Austintown. The event begins at noon and is open to the public.

Marksmanship program set for today

Western Reserve Fish & Game will be the site for the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s all day shoot. This is an event for all regional CMP teams to gather and test their skills against each other. The event will start at 8 a.m, today at the indoor range. There will be a light lunch and refreshments starting at about 10 a.m.

Marlins, Suzuki agree on a one-year deal

A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Ichiro Suzuki has agreed to a one-year contract with the Miami Marlins, pending a physical.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because the contract with the 41-year-old outfielder has not been finalized.

Suzuki batted .284 last year for the New York Yankees. He topped the 200-hit mark in his first 10 major league seasons and has 2,844 MLB hits.

Staff/wire reports