This week was a sad one in the whole city of Chicago. We lost one of our finest citizens, Ernie Banks. He died at age 83, just 8 days short of his 84th birthday. Why was his life so important to Chicago? Long before any of you, or any of your parents were born, Mr. Banks (also known to all as Mr. Cub and Mr. Sunshine), played shortstop first for the Kansas City Monarchs and then, beginning in 1953 for the Chicago Cubs, as shortstop, left field and finally, first baseman. In 1970 he hit his 500th home run and he played his last game in 1972. That's 19 years playing professional baseball! The Cubs retired his uniform number 14 in 1982. Many people say he was one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Grama remembers going to the games at Wrigley Field as a little girl and watching Erie Banks, Ron Santos and Billy Williams play from her seat way out in the bleachers. That's probably why she's such a hopeless (or hopeful) Cubby's fan.
But the most important work he did was after he laid down his glove. When he finished baseball, he became an ordained minister and began the work of helping the kids of Chicago through his Live Above & Beyond foundation. He cared for the poor and the forgotten, always smiling, always optimistic, with a strong faith--especially that some day the Cubs would again win the World Series! In 2013, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to the cultural, social and scientific heritage of our country.
So, maybe this year, with Mr. Cub watching over us from heaven, we may finally win the National League Pennant and head to the World Series!
In other news, Grampa is getting ready for a trip to sunny Phoenix this week, while Grama is glad she doesn't have to shovel the 12 inches of snow we're supposed to get tonight!
Birthdays
Big month for the family!
Owen 2/9
Ryan 2/11
Calvin 2/18
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