"Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks passes away at the age of 83.

foggood11

foggood11

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As a kid growing up in Texas I was always an Astros fan, but I will always be a fan of Ernie Banks.

Read the news of his passing a few minutes ago, and opened up my safe. Pulled out an old baseball program, dated August 5, 1969, that Ernie signed for me. I was 8 and Dad took me to the Astrodome to see the Astros play the Cubs. I remember that day pretty well.

Dad took me down to the left field bleachers before the game, while the players were warming up, and he called out for Ernie to come over and sign the program for me. Ernie did. I thanked him and I remember him saying "sure, you're welcome". Other kids came over, and Ernie graciously signed autographs for them too. After a few minutes, when one of the ushers tried to "shoo" people away, Ernie chided him with a stern "you leave my fans alone".

Rest in peace Ernie.
 
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My dad, brother and I were frequent visitors to Crosley (as in the car and tv) Field in the 60s. We saw many a Cubs game there.
Dad told us how he respected the character of Ernie and loved to watch him commit larceny.
Seems so long ago.
 
A ferocious power hitter in the 50s at shortstop, later moved to 1b. One game, he hit 2 grand slams. The reporters asked him post game whether he was happy about his feat. He answered: "Why, we lost." Miss you, Ernie.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
 
As a Chicago kid growing up in the 50's and 60's, Ernie Banks was my favorite baseball player.

The single time I witnessed him away from Wrigley Field, he and his wife were seated at a restaurant table a few feet away from my family. I remember being impressed by how pleasant and engaging he was to the staff and the fans who occasionally interrupted his dinner with his wife.

He seemed to be a genuine class act.
 
I was privileged to see, Mr. Cub play in several games during my high school years..........one of the TRUE greats in sports
 
Let's Play Two!

I watched him play on a black and white TV. I remember watching the games at Wrigley Field and all those white shirts in center field bleachers. That white background back then made it tough to see the ball coming at you.

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My Mom, who probably never saw a real baseball game in her life, was a Cubs fan. She listened to WGN radio broadcasts of the games in the afternoon. She loved Ernie Banks, Jack Brickhouse and Lou Boudreau. The radio was in the kitchen where most of her daily routine took place. I have a soft spot for the Cubs just because they gave Mom some little pleasures in her life, but I'm a Cards fan!!
 
I ranked him with Peewee Reese, Pops Stargell and Musial among the greats who played ferociously hard but were absolute gentlemen on and off the field.

Banks was the antithesis of Ty Cobb in everything but talent.
 
RIP Ernie. A class act. He was a great player and a gracious ambassador in retirement.
 
Ernie would hammer one out of Wrigley Field (the house that gum built), and Jack Brickhouse would say"IT'S OUT ON WAVELAND AVENUE!!!"
 
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