MLB: RIP Ernie Banks

[ISUCubswin]

Sad, sad day.

Mr. Cub has passed away at 83.

"Lets play two" was a quote I grew up with and said almost every day as a young baseball addict.

 

[Doc]

Let's play two. RIP Mr. Cub.

 

[Bret44]

That is terrible news.

Let's all play two tonight.

 

[tm3308]

Damn. I was really hoping he'd live to see the Cubs win the World Series in a few years.

 

[Bret44]

512 HRs from a middle infielder in his day was insane. Great Player and an even better person from every story I have heard.

 

[ISUCubswin]

I didn't even realize he was sick.

I guess the whole world didn't. Can't seem to find anywhere that he was sick.

 

[CycloneErik]

RIP, Mr. Cub.

I wonder if they'll fly his flag at half-mast this season.

 

[CycloneRulzzz]

I just watched an old married with children episode where he had a cameo. Not a cubs fan but have mad respect for Mr. Cub. RIP sir.

 

[SaraV]

Ernie was a reason why my dad was a Cubs fan.

My dad is the reason I'm a Cubs fan.

We'll miss your smiling face, Ernie.

RIP

 

[psychlone99]

At 83 it shouldn't be so shocking, but it is. He spent a lot of time in Wrigley, and he always seemed so happy and energetic. This is one of those that sneaks up on you, I suppose.

I have a baseball signed by both Ernie and Fergie. Gonna have to dust it off tonight.

 

[BigJCy]

Not even sure if Ernie was a beer drinker but if he was I'm guessing these two are have a "Nice Cold Budweiser" up there tonight:

Ernie & Harry Caray in 1970

 

[KnappShack]

Didn't realize he was the first black player in Cubs history.

It was a life lived well, Ernie. Rest easy

 

[Bobber]

He played well before I was a fan, so never saw him play. He's a legend. Will be missed. RIP Ernie.

 

[GrindingAway]

I'm not old enough to remember him playing, but as a lifelong cubs fan I love Ernie.

As a huge pearl jam fan he's also a part of one of my favorite Wrigley moments.

[video=youtube;M6z_6uGo63E]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6z_6uGo63E[/video]

 

[candg4ever]

A huge loss for not only Cub fans, but all of baseball. He was a true ambassador for the game, and truly loved what he did!!

 

[BoxsterCy]

At 83 it shouldn't be so shocking, but it is. He spent a lot of time in Wrigley, and he always seemed so happy and energetic. This is one of those that sneaks up on you, I suppose.

I have a baseball signed by both Ernie and Fergie. Gonna have to dust it off tonight.

Got me thinking of the other guys from that era that I remember as "big names" as a kid watching the Hamm's and Gillette sponsored Saturday afternoon game of the week.

Willie Mays 83
Whitey Ford 86
Yogi Berra 89
Bob Gibson 79
Frank Robinson 79
Hank Aaron 80

Was surprised to see that Aaron and Robinson were almost as old as the guys I thought of as the previous decade. But, than again, I am also surprised that I am as old as I am!

 

[Rabbuk]

I'm too young to have seen him play but I remember watching him on ESPN classic when they used to replay those home run derbies. When Home run derby was an every week player versus player kind of thing. Sad day those as a cubs fan.

 

[jsb]

There must have been something in the water when those guys were playing with the Kansas City Monarchs because several of those guys were just absolute gems for the game of baseball. What a gift guys like that are.