Caretaker: Ernie Banks' estate has memorabilia, not hidden riches

CHICAGO -- A list of items left behind by late Chicago Cubs great Ernie Banks includes his Hall of Fame ring and autographed baseballs from Bill and Hillary Clinton, but no big bank accounts or insurance policies.

The Chicago Tribune reports that the list was filed in advance of a Wednesday hearing in Cook County Probate Court. Banks' wife is challenging a will signed by him that gives all his assets to his longtime caretaker, Regina Rice.

A judge had ordered Rice to compile an accounting of his estate after she estimated his known assets at $16,000. Other items on the list include his Presidential Medal of Freedom and a 2007 silver Lexus. The list consists of items from his rented condo in downtown Chicago, as well as storage containers in Chicago and California.

No real estate assets were listed. Items that were in storage included boxes of photos, used clothing and a Michael Jordan jersey.

Wife Liz Banks was initially awarded control of his estate in January after she claimed he didn't have a will, but the 56-year-old Rice filed a petition days later saying he had one. She identified herself as his longtime caretaker and confidante.

The judge determined in March that the will was valid. Banks' family claims he was coerced into signing the will in October, but two witnesses from the law firm that executed it testified that he seemed healthy.

Attorneys for Banks' wife said the judge's decision on the will was procedural and that they would continue to fight. They've subpoenaed Banks' longtime doctor for records tied to his care.

Banks, who spent his entire major league career with the Cubs, died Jan. 23 of a heart attack. He was 83.