Spring Training, Ernie Banks and Curt Flood

Baseball spring training is upon us and as the saying goes everyone starts even.

That means even the Chicago Cubs, sans a World Title for 105 years and a pennant for 68 get a fresh start.

The great Ernie Banks who played for the Cubs from (1953-1971) epitomizes the great spirit that baseball can produce. On a beautiful day, he will say “let’s play two.”

He was a great player, first as a shortstop and then played first base. He never got into a post season game but hit over 500 home runs. He is a deserving member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

When I saw him years back, I remember he and the great Curt Flood joking around. He kidded Flood as ballplayers do but quickly asked if I knew of Curt’s courage and contribution in challenging the baseball reserve clause.

I did know and he went back to kidding Mr. Flood. Ernie’s great spirit and gregarious nature often echoes his “let’s play two” philosophy.

That goes for baseball or kidding a respected friend, baseball opponent and great contributor like Curt Flood.