ernie banks : Mr. Cub
...n six runs. He quickly replaced the Cubs starting shortstop, Roy Smalley in 1954, and from there his legend took off. Between 1954 and 1960 Banks smashed 267 homers and drove in 772 runs, the shots amazed and bewildered the Wrigley field masses. Ernie played in a different time, a better time for the game. There was no steroid use, there were no multi million dollar contracts, and players were paid but not much. Most players had off season jobs, and some even worked a second job during the season. There was a different respect for the game back then, it wasn’t about the money, it was for love. Love of a game, a game that teaches teamwork and cohesion. A game that makes people love you, or hate you. A game played for the fans, not for agents and shoe companies. Yes Banks was a different breed than today’s players. That is what helped him to become the most loved and adored Cubbie of all time. Banks was offered his own day in 1959, by the Chicago Cubs, being the humble and respectful person he was, he declined the offer saying “I haven’t been around long enough for such an honor”. In 1964 he finally gave in and the cubs honored him with his own day. Ernie played from 1953 until his retirement in 1971, for the same Cubs team. He played hard, and loved this team and the city, and never made it in to the postseason. Could you imagine a player today not making it into the post season in his career? It would never happen, they would either demand to be traded, or hold out of their contract until they were released. It was for this and his “Lets play two” attitude that the Wrigley faithful loved him. Ernie’s number 14 hangs from a pennant high above Wrigley field still to this day. He was the first Cubs players to have his number retired by the team. I have grown up a Cubs fan, at the age of 2 I went to my first game with my dad. I have attended an annual gathering of the Cubs players since 2002, called the Cubs Convention. At these meetings you meet the players, talk about the up coming season, eat and have a good time. I have al...