Take It to the Banks

It's only been 43 years since he retired, but Ernie Banks made the cover of Sports Illustrated!!  No, really.  Every year the magazine puts out a special "Where Are They Now?" edition, and this year they had the good sense to make the beloved Mr. Cub their poster child.

I did get the chance to meet Ernie one time.  Briefly, but that's plenty enough.  It was at a gathering that used to be held once a year called Windy City West, where Chicagoans living in Los Angeles would get together, and spectacular food was flown in from Chicago.  (Ah, I do miss that event...)  Ernie Banks was there several years, and that's when I cross paths and had a chance to talk.  It will not shock you to learn that he's a very nice guy.  But then, what would you expect from a ballplayer with a renowned sunny disposition, who coined the phrase, "It's a beautiful day for a ballgame here at the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field.  Let's play two!"

Happily, I now also have an autographed ball from him.  "To my pal, Bob Elisberg.  Faith.  Ernie Banks."

Here below is my pal, Ernie.

Never too late.  Let's buy two.