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Probably the only thing more iconic to the Cubs was Wrigley Field itself. A man of skill, integrity, class, passion and humor he excuded virtues that all good people aspire too. He will be greatly missed by his large Cub's family.
If you ever get a chance to see it, he did a lovely little rendition of "All the way" with Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam at Wrigley Field a couple years back. It really gives you a feel as to who this man really was...and he was something special.
http://youtu.be/M6z_6uGo63E
You can fast forward to the 6:30 mark to see him, although the whole thing is interesting.
I grew up in a suburb of Chicago, watching Ernie Banks play. He and Billy Williams were my favorite players. Wrigley Field was a magical place. Baseball seemed magical as a result. It was all positive, uplifting. I always got a very warm, cozy feeling when I knew Ernie Banks was playing akin to watching Barney Fife and Andy Griffith on TV. The ambiance this generated was unique to the Chicago area. Ernie Banks represented all that was good in this world. He was a great ball player too, but IMO his personality transcended his great game. The positive spirit he exuded still affects me today and probably will stay with me until I'm gone.
What a great man. Great baseball player. He positively impacted millions.
I grew up in a suburb of Chicago, watching Ernie Banks play. He and Billy Williams were my favorite players. Wrigley Field was a magical place. Baseball seemed magical as a result. It was all positive, uplifting. I always got a very warm, cozy feeling when I knew Ernie Banks was playing akin to watching Barney Fife and Andy Griffith on TV. The ambiance this generated was unique to the Chicago area. Ernie Banks represented all that was good in this world. He was a great ball player too, but IMO his personality transcended his great game. The positive spirit he exuded still affects me today and probably will stay with me until I'm gone.
What a great man. Great baseball player. He positively impacted millions.
Couldn't have said it better.
That's why the Cubs organization referred to him as Mr. Cub. It's said that Banks and Billy Williams couldn't have played on a club that could be a pennant winner, to at least get to a world series.
My uncle loved to tell me the story about how Ernie Banks would sign autographs at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Yes, St. Louis. For several decades the Cardinals and the Cubs would be rivals, but both fan bases in both cities knew not only talent but also class. Stan Musial had a lot of fans in the Chicago area and Banks did in St. Louis. After a game my cousin and my uncle was able to get autographs and Mr. Banks is the one that made their day. Ernie would shake the hand of the kids seeking his autograph and ask them if they are participating in little league ball and what position they play.
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What sad news
