Ernie Banks brought class, optimism to baseball

Ernie Banks brought class, dignity and grace to baseball. He had another irreplaceable attribute: an infectious love for the game.

Banks played his career with the hapless Chicago Cubs and most of the time was stuck near the bottom of the National League standings. But losing never diminshed his enthusiasm and passion for the game.

“It’s a great day for baseball. Let’s play two,” was the immortal catch phrase Ernie Banks will always be known for.

Ernie Banks died Friday at 83. But if you close your eyes, you can almost see that lithe body and sweet swing at the plate on warm, sunny afternoon in Wrigley Field.

Banks, who played shortstop and first-base, had two of his greatest seasons in 1958-59. He won back to back MVP awards from the National League. In 1958 he hit .313 with 47 homers and129 runs batted in. The next season Banks hit .304 with 45 HR and 143 RBI. The Cubs finished under .500  both seasons

So it was for Ernie Banks, a great player on mostly mediocre teams. He played 19 seasons and hit 512 homers and was named to the All-Star team 14 times. Banks was elected to the  baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.

Statistics  could never measure what Ernie Banks meant to the City of Chicago and baseball. “Approachable, ever optimistic, and kind-hearted, Ernie Banks will always be Mr. Cub,” said Tom Ricketts, chairman of the Cubs.

Today’s version of Major League Baseball lacks the essence and spirit of Ernie Banks. It’s all about money, TV ratings and a sports celebrity cult of personality. Banks played in a different era and made the game better with his virtues and talent. Baseball needs him more than ever.

Rest in peace, Ernie, and wherever you are up there, I hope you get to play two.