Saturday, January 24, 2015

Ernie Banks

Hall of Fame baseball player; a legendary man who loved to play -- via the Chicago Tribune. AKA Mr. Cub, Mr. Sunshine, Number 14, Mr. "Let's Play 2." Insanely gifted in offensive and defensive skills, Banks started playing in the Negro Leagues, for the fabled Kansas City Monarchs, in 1950. He became the Cubs' first black player, and stayed with the team for his entire Major League career, from 1953 through 1971. His upbeat disposition and sheer love of the game did cause him to genuinely call out "Let's play 2" at times. However, he was an intelligent guy. (The fact that he loved the game so much that he played for the Cubs is no small sacrifice.) His personal life was just as complex as any other person's -- but he had a very special gift of putting himself in the moment in a joyful way, and encouraging that in others. His work ethic, attitude, and skills meshed perfectly. He made me feel like I could do that too!