CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs will honor Hall of Famer Ernie Banks in a pregame ceremony on Tuesday night for receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the team announced on Tuesday morning.
Before the Cubs take on the Cincinnati Reds former teammate Billy Williams will pay tribute to Banks on the field. Banks was recently awarded the Medal by President Barack Obama.
According to the White House, The Medal of Freedom is the highest honor awarded to civilians in the United States. It was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy and is presented to those who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."
Banks joins others from professional baseball to receive the award, including Hank Aaron (2002), Roberto Clemente (2003) Joe DiMaggio (1977), Stan Musial (2011), Buck O’Neil (2006), Frank Robinson (2005), Jackie Robinson (1984) and Ted Williams (1991).
The ceremony is set to start at approximately 6:45 pm.