January 24, 2015

Ernie Banks, legendary 'Mr. Cub,' dead at 83: Banks was an 11-time all-star and back-to-back NL MVP. With career totals of 512 home runs and 1,636 RBI, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. He is the only National League shortstop to hit 40+ home runs in a season, a feat he accomplished five times.

posted by Ufez Jones to baseball at 11:01 AM - 5 comments

One of the truly greats, not just on the field but as an ambassador for his sport.

posted by hincandenza at 08:24 PM on January 24, 2015

May his spirit guide the team this season.

posted by TheQatarian at 10:49 PM on January 24, 2015

"Infectiously joy"' is one of those overused tropes, but damn if Mr. Cub didn't embody that.

posted by holden at 11:57 PM on January 24, 2015

Infectious joy, or infectiously joyous, methinks.

posted by holden at 10:41 AM on January 25, 2015

The type of attitude towards a sport that made baseball such a great sport. Whenever some of the other story lines begin to be a drag, remembering players who loved the game so much is enough to swing my attitude back around to the positive.

I had a chance to meet Banks years ago and had him sign a vintage baseball card of himself. Collectors say signing a card decreases it's value, but it's something I'll always keep for myself.

posted by dyams at 01:22 PM on January 25, 2015

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