RSS
Home
Mr. Cub accepts Living Legend honor in Washington
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
This morning National Public Radio aired an interview with Ernie Banks who was in Washington, DC, to accept an award at the Library of Congress as a “Living Legend.” Banks was in Washington October 2 and 3 as part of a symposium sponsored by the American Folklife Center in association with the publication of the Library of Congress’ new book “Baseball Americana: Treasures from the Library of Congress.” Joining Banks at the symposium were Larry Dierker (an all-star pitcher, broadcaster and manager), Paul Dickson, a baseball language expert and Mamie “Peanut” Johnson, Negro Leagues pitcher.
Almost all Cubs fans will tell you that Banks certainly is a Living Legend and perhaps it’s time someone recognized that fact. From his humble childhood to his rise to the Major Leagues at a time when African Americans were still not totally accepted, Banks has become a beloved Cubs icon to a few generations of Cubs fans. In his interview, he talks about his feelings for baseball and the Cubs, and tells how the first time he saw Wrigley Field, he knew he had found where he was supposed to be.
While Banks was never on a World Series team, spending his entire Major League career after the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues with the Cubs, he has had many other honors. He is affectionately known as Mr. Cub.
It is important to note that Banks played in 11 All-Star games, was twice voted National League Most Valuable Player and hit 512 home runs during his 19 years in the majors, all with the Cubs. He also led the National League in home runs and RBIs twice, and received a Gold Glove in 1960.
Banks played for the Cubs from 1953-1971 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, in 1977. In 2007 a statue of Mr. Cub was placed near the corner of Clark and Addison, the main entrance to Wrigley Field. Ernie’s exuberant line “Let’s Play Two” is inscribed on the base of the statue, which was unveiled on March 31, 2008.
At 79 years old, having just adopted a one-year old child, even Mr. Cub can’t say he has seen the Cubs win the World Series. Hopefully that will change before one of the most beloved Cubs of all time is no longer here.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
Breaking News: Milton Bradley has reportedly been traded to the Seattle Mariners for Carlos Silva, according to tweets from both Carrie Muskat and …
Tomorrow night Cubs fans will unite with other Chicagoans at an "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party to celebrate the holidays and raise money for …
