remembering mr. cub

• Appeared in 2,528 games for the Chicago Cubs from 1953 to 1971, a record for regular-season appearances by a player who never reached the postseason, playing shortstop until 1962, when he switched to first base because of leg problems.

• Named the Most Valuable Player in the National League in 1958 and 1959, the first to win the award in consecutive years, although the Cubs finished tied for fifth place each time.

• Was an All-Star for 11 seasons and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1977, his first year of eligibility.

• Hit 512 home runs. His 293 as a shortstop and his 47 in 1958 were career and single-season records for that position, marks subsequently eclipsed by Alex Rodriguez.

• Set a major league record at the time for grand slams in a season when he hit five in 1955.

• Had 2,583 hits, drove in 1,636 runs and had a career batting average of .274.

• Set single-season records for fewest errors (12) and best fielding average by a shortstop (.985) in 1959, and he won a Gold Glove award in 1960, his last full season at shortstop.

• Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, from President Barack Obama in 2013.

• His jersey number was retired by the Cubs, and his No. 14 flies from the left field foul pole at Wrigley Field on game days.