Remembering Ernie Banks

As I prepare and hope to circumvent the inclement weather this early morning, news came that the great player, with that most positive attitude, Ernie Banks passed away at age 83.

He hit 512 career home runs and his back to back Most Valuable Player awards with Chicago Cubs teams that finished those two years near the bottom of the standings.  It was his “sunshine” attitude that the baseball world will remember fondly. I can still hear him say his famous words “let’s play two!”

He started as a shortstop and overall was clearly one of the best ever at that position. Later he played first base and though he never played in a post season game, one of the greatest players never to do so, he promoted and loved the Chicago Cubs. He played his entire career with his beloved Cubbies.

Ernie would be optimistic today despite the weather and I treasure the one time I interviewed him at an awards event in 1992.

Mr. Banks was a good  interview and when the great outfielder and baseball player rights pioneer Curt Flood joined us, they kidded each other and it was a thrill to witness the two Baseball greats having fun and being so candid with me. That was an interview I remember so fondly.

I am certain that they can now kid each other in a much better place. Meanwhile I will do my best to keep Ernie Banks’ great, positive attitude close to me.

Mr. Cub