Cubs icon and Hall of Famer Ernie Banks died Friday at age 83. Here are some facts and figures from Mr. Cub’s 19-year career and beyond.

Bud Selig soon will be joining one of the world’s most exclusive groups — the Retired Commissioner’s Club. His peers are happy to have him, and they have some thoughts on retirement, too.

“Mr. Cub” Ernie Banks, a Hall of Famer who hit 512 home runs in 19 seasons in Chicago, has died at age 83.

Jeff Samardzija spent his 30th birthday on Friday at SoxFest, mingling with the fanbase of which he is a card-carrying member.

Left-hander Carlos Rodon, the White Sox top prospect, is driven to prove he belongs on Chicago’s Opening Day roster for 2015, less than a year after the club selected him No. 3 overall in the Draft.

Carlos Gonzalez was delighted about the condition of his rehabbed body, and genuinely thankful to meet fans on Friday. With four straight losing Rockies seasons and the injuries behind him, Gonzalez tackled the vexing subjects facing him and the team.

Yahoo Sports reported on Friday that the Phillies and Brewers have been in serious discussions about sending Jonathan Papelbon to Milwaukee, although it will not be easy. Papelbon has a limited no-trade clause and reportedly can block a trade to Milwaukee.

There’s still a month or so until Spring Training begins, and therefore plenty of time for general manager Ben Cherington to make further personnel tweaks, but Red Sox principal owner John Henry is pretty happy with the state of the team’s roster.

Top Twins prospects Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano are healthy now and general manager Terry Ryan said he could envision a scenario in which both players make their debuts this season.

Brandon Moss, who underwent offseason hip surgery, has not picked up a bat yet this winter, but the Indians’ biggest offseason acquisition is intent on being in the lineup on Opening Day and nearly every day after that.

The Urban Youth Academy keeps expanding its imprint, bringing its brand of philanthropy and community involvement to a city near you. Four facilities are now operating under the Urban Youth Academy umbrella, with the original entry in Compton, Calif., standing as the template for all to follow.

Perhaps no one is more encouraged to see the additions the Astros made this winter than All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve, who at 24 years old suddenly finds himself as one of the longest current tenured members of the club.

Red Sox principal owner John Henry expects a pitch clock, similar to what could be implemented in Triple-A and Double-A during the 2015 season, to make its way to the game’s highest level within a couple of years.

Rangers first baseman Prince Fielder, making a rare offseason appearance at the team’s award dinner, said he is 100 percent healthy.

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn readily admits that the October 2014 version of himself might not believe it if you told him how the club’s offseason would go.

The Marlins have filled a need for a fourth outfielder by agreeing on Friday to a one-year contract with 10-time All-Star Ichiro Suzuki, a baseball source confirmed to MLB.com. The deal is pending a physical. The club has not confirmed the deal.

As has become an annual occurrence, the list of top first basemen lacks a bit in the elite prospect department. But there is good news: There are two players on this list on this year’s Top 100: Josh Bell of the Pirates and Matt Olson of the A’s. That doubles the total from the 2014 preseason list.