They unveiled a statue of Ernie Banks outside Wrigley Field on Monday.
My initial reaction? It’s about time. The thought of Harry Caray having his own statue before Ernie never seemed right. But that’s not why I mention it this morning.
Banks was a star back in the day, a former Negro Leaguer who went on to become a Hall of Famer and a member of the 500-Homer Club.* (*-before steroids, when reaching the 500 mark meant more than it does today.)
Now for what you may not know about him.
For the kids who hovered around the Cubs dugout in the late ’60s, there was nobody like Ernie when it came to signing autographs. He not only would sign everything in sight, he typically would provide a few quick lessons in life as he did it.
Have fun at the ballpark. Always try your best. Be polite. Listen to your mom and dad. To hear Ernie Banks say those things had a huge impact on the kids who hung on his every word.
I know. I was one of them.
Jim Armstrong: 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com
