BRIEF: Ernie Banks to get presidential honor

Source: Chicago TribuneAug.self storage 08--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 honorBanks, 82, and former North Carolina basketball coaching legend Dean Smith will be the recipients of this prestigious award from President Barack Obama.Media magnate Oprah Winfrey also received the award for her philanthropic work, especially with young women, as did Illinois civil rights lead迷你倉r Cordy Tindell "C.T." Vivian.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.fmitchell@tribune.comTwitter@kicker34Copyright: ___ (c)2013 the Chicago Tribune Visit the Chicago Tribune at .chicagotribune.com Distributed by MCT Information Services文件倉