“It’s a kind of philosophy of my own life, to create energy enough to keep on going.” -Ernie Banks.
With heavy hearts, Baseball will mourn the loss of another great player, man, and citizen, in Ernie Banks. He died at the age of 83 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Here’s a statement from Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts:
“Words cannot express how important Ernie Banks will always be to the Chicago Cubs, the city of Chicago and Major League Baseball. He was one of the greatest players of all time. He was a pioneer in the major leagues. And and more importantly, he was the warmest and most sincere person I’ve ever known. Approachable, ever optimistic and kind hearted, Ernie Banks is and always will be Mr. Cub. My family and I grieve the loss of such a great and good-hearted man, but we look forward to celebrating Ernie’s life in the days ahead.”
It’s one thing to spend 19 years playing the game you love. It’s an entirely other thing to spend it with one team, helping to achieve aspirations that you’ve tried so desperately to reach since you started. He played a few games in 1953, but didn’t get his real chance until 1954. In 55, his breakout season came with 44 home runs. He continued his success, and won National League MVP in 1958 and 1959. Mr. Cub spent 19 season with the team, and hit a total of 512 baseballs over Wrigley’s outfield fence. Banks, the rightful owner of the Cubs home runs record, is second to Sammy Sosa in team history.
In a period filled with hate, prejudice, and racism, it would’ve been justified if he’d lashed out at spectators, media, or even fans. He was nicknamed Mr. Sunshine for a reason. Ernie Banks gave the city of Chicago, and all of America a reason to smile. In 2013, he was given the Presidential Medal of Honor by President Obama.
Though we have all lost a great person, Ernie’s life is one to be remembered and celebrated like Mr. Ricketts said. He’s done so much for the game of baseball. Rest in peace, Mr. Cub. Maybe you’ll be able to play two sometime soon.
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