Ernie Banks Quotes

Baseball Almanac is pleased to present an unprecedented collection of baseball related quotations spoken by Ernie Banks and about Ernie Banks.

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"Let's play two!" - Ernie Banks

Ernie Banks Quotes

Quotes From & About Ernie Banks | Baseball Quotes | Ernie Banks

"Awards mean a lot, but they don't say it all. The people in baseball mean more to me than statistics."

"Did you hear that? I didn't hear anything. Put that question another way." Source: Sports Illustrated (August 23, 1982)

"I like my players to be married and in debt. That's the way you motivate them." Source: New York Times (April 11, 1976)

"It's a great day for a ball game; let's play two!"

"I was thinking (when he hit his 500th home run) about my mother and dad, about all the people in the Chicago Cubs organization that helped me and about the wonderful Chicago fans who have come out all these years to cheer me on. They've been a great inspiration to me."

"The Cubs are due in sixty-two."

"The Cubs are gonna shine in sixty-nine."

"The only way to prove that you're a good sport is to lose."

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." Source: The Sporting News (May 12, 1970)

"You must try to generate happiness within yourself. If you aren't happy in one place, chances are you won't be happy anyplace."

"Ernie (Banks) rejoices merely in living and baseball is a marvelous extra that makes his existence so much more pleasurable." - Arthur Daley

"Ernie Banks was synonymous with a childlike enthusiasm for Baseball. It was not just great talent but also his relentless spirit of optimism that made him a back-to-back National League MVP, a Hall of Famer, a member of our All-Century Team, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and, indeed, forever 'Mr. Cub.' His joyous outlook will never be forgotten by fans of the Cubs and all those who love Baseball. On a day when I finish my duties as the Commissioner of America's National Pastime, I know well that Ernie was one of the special individuals who embodied its goodwill all his life. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Ernie's family, friends, Cubs fans and his countless admirers throughout our game." - Commissioner Bud Selig (01/24/2015, 'Banks remembered as legend on, off field', Source)

"He never complained about his team's bad luck or bad talent, never stopped playing the game with joy, never stopped giving his all, never lost his proud demeanor, and never acted like anything but a winner. He was a symbol of the Cub fan's undiminishing resilience. If he could be happy to come to the park each afternoon, then so could we." - Joe Mantegna

"His wrists are the secret of Ernie (Banks) success. Instead of taking the big Ruthian type swing of the lively ball era, he swings his bat as if it were a buggy whip, striking at the ball with the reflexive swiftness of a serpent's tongue." - Bill Furlong in Baseball Stars of 1959

"Michelle and I send our condolences to the family of Ernie Banks, and to every Chicagoan and baseball fan who loved him," Obama said in the statement. Ernie came up through the Negro Leagues, making $7 a day. He became the first African-American to play for the Chicago Cubs, and the first number the team retired. Along the way, he became known as much for his 512 home runs and back-to-back National League MVPs as for his cheer, his optimism, and his love of the game. As a Hall of Famer, Ernie was an incredible ambassador for baseball, and for the city of Chicago. He was beloved by baseball fans everywhere, including Michelle, who, when she was a girl, used to sit with her dad and watch him play on TV. And in 2013, it was my honor to present Ernie with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Somewhere, the sun is shining, the air is fresh, his team's behind him, and Mr. Class -- 'Mr. Cub' -- is ready to play two." - President Barack Obama 01/24/2015, 'Banks remembered as legend on, off field', Source)

Quotes From & About Ernie Banks

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Ernie Banks played nineteen years in the Major Leagues and his entire career was spent with the Chicago Cubs — a modern day rarity.

Did you know that Ernie Banks is one of the few members of the 500 Home Runs Club and that he finished his career with five-hundred twelve longballs?

Ernie Banks was named to the All Star team eleven times including eight consecutive years (1955-1962). Review his career stats by clicking his name and see other unique career stats, single season stats, and items not found on other sites.