I love Ernie Banks even though I missed his best seasons as a ballplayer.

http://tracking.si.com/2013/11/20/ernie ... =si_latest




Upon learning in August he would receive the honor Banks said, "It means everything to me."

"It means life is just wonderful. When you do things to try to help people and share things, it really comes back to you. I try to do that. I love the players, love Wrigley Field, love all the players. ... This award means a lot to me. It's almost like the Nobel Peace Prize to me."


Cubs legend Ernie Banks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.


The Medal of Freedom, established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, is presented to individuals who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security and national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” Recipients of the award are chosen by the president, with the assistance of the Distinguished Civilian Service Awards Board.

Banks was one of 16 Americans honored Wednesday, in a group that included former President Bill Clinton, media icon Oprah Winfrey, former astronaut Sally Ride, feminist Gloria Steinem and North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith.

President Obama celebrated Banks’ achievements on and off the baseball field. From CBSSports.com’s report:

“That’s Mr. Cub — the man who came up through the Negro Leagues, making $7 a day, and became the first black player to suit up for the Cubs and one of the greatest hitters of all time,” Obama said. “In the process, Ernie became known as much for his 512 home runs as for his cheer and his optimism, and his eternal faith that someday the Cubs would go all the way.”
Banks, who was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1977, his first year of eligibility, played for the Cubs for 19 years. He was known for his enthusiastic game pep talk, “Let’s play two!”

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favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."

I'm not sure any MLB player has ever done this.

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Actually Frank,I'm pretty sure there was a White Sox catcher who spied on Germany back in WW2. I forgot his name though. Ray Shalk,maybe? I don't feel like Yahooing.

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favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."

Fuck that. This is a great day in Cubs history because of the additions of Dallas Beeler and Alcantra to the 40 man roster. The pieces are being assembled!!!

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That's my purse! I don't know you!

because he cant, remember, nobody told him it was down, at least directly.

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"That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously." Banky
“Been that way since one monkey looked at the sun and told the other monkey ‘He said for you to give me your fuckin’ share.’”

He teased Ernie about the Cubs record. Ernie should have given it right back to him about his own record.

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favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."

"All of us have moments when we look back and wonder, what the heck was I thinking? I have that quite a bit," Obama said during this very ceremony.

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"That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously." Banky
“Been that way since one monkey looked at the sun and told the other monkey ‘He said for you to give me your fuckin’ share.’”

It was Moe Berg, jimmy. Ray Schalk was not a Really. Smart. Guy.

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Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up to The Hill
With Matthew, Tulsi, and Don

Only championships matter.

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Hawaii (fuck) You

I'm shocked he didn't wear his Mr. Cub hat so that everyone can figure out who he is

Ernie has a lot of Woo Woo in him

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

I imagine if the Cubs ever were to actually win the World Series we'd have to start putting players on our money or cancel Christmas and instead celebrate their birthday in order to celebrate them in a way that is more than what the current former players get.

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You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

I dont see this as one of the ridiculous ones though


Certainly the Santo love is crazy


I think Banks, Williams, and Fergie warrant all the praise they get

Fergie won about as many games for the Cubs as Buerhle did for the White Sox.

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Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up to The Hill
With Matthew, Tulsi, and Don

So you agree or not?


6 years of 20 wins is impressive in any era

Banks is one of those players who was not just great but historically significant. He deserves everything he gets. I am embarrassed for him that he feels he has to wear the cheesy hat so people can identify him

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Agreed

Hawk used to wear a white one that said Hawk and That Beach Boys guy still wears the Beach Boys one


Pathetic

I don't know. Fergie was a good pitcher. He's a legit Hall of Famer. I'd compare him to a guy like Gaylord Perry or Jim Kaat, who probably should be in. But he only spent about half his career as a Cub. People complain about the '85 Bears never going away. At least they won. Those Cubs you mention have all lived a long time off a second place finish in their division.

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Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up to The Hill
With Matthew, Tulsi, and Don

I agree. Ernie was a special player at short. He kind of got diminished with all the sluggers that played the position during the steroid era.

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Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up to The Hill
With Matthew, Tulsi, and Don

It always comes back to hating Hawk doesn't it?

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You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

I believe RPB actually likes Hawk.

Obama should wear a tophat that says "President," or at least a giant gold chain with the Seal;

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I love Hawk.

And Hawk loves me specifically. Said so on a Sox game in 1990

I expect Buehrle will be remembered fondly and would have even without 05

Jenkins, Williams, and Banks are all time great players regardless of where they played. The fact that Santo is included with those guys is the issue imo

Hi,
As a guy who actually saw the 4 of them play,I consider Williams and Jenkins as HOF's without a doubt.
Ernie had already produced HOF numbers by time I started watching the Cubs around 1967. At no time did I feel Santo was a HOF'r BUT that's not fair because by 1967 he had already had some big production seasons under his belt. I did think he was one of the top tier of 3rd basemen in his era. If anybody with eyes tries comparing Fergie with Mark Buehrle they are high or Sox fans,usually the same thing. I think Mark is a great pitcher but Jenkins was unreal with his control and knack for pitching complete games and always seeming to beat the other teams best players when it counted. Those 20 game season's were not by accident. His best season was after the Cubs traded him and he won 25 for the Rangers.

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favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."

Recommended reading for everyone "The Catcher Was a Spy: The Mysterious Life of Moe Berg" by Nicholas Davidoff

Not only did he spy on Germany but he part of an all star team that toured Japan and while there also did recon.

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Not in the playoffs.

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There are only two examples of infinity: The universe and human stupidity and I'm not sure about the universe.