My Main Man Ernie

Ernie Banks sang Take me out to the ball game tonight. The crowd loved him and he said "now take a journey with Ernie and sing with me". He is so loved at Wrigley and the crowd ate it up. The customary 7th inning interview that followed was an utter disaster! It all began with silence that lasted forever, not even "Hi Ernie". LennyBob continued to announce every pitch and ignored Mr Cub. There were a few half hearted question, mixed in with "that low and away for ball 2". I thought they were interviewing the infield coach, not Mr Cub. Mr. Cub! Ernie ask Brenly something and Brenly "a swing and a miss for strike 2" went on and on! I realize these cats know him personally and its no big deal to be around Ernie but he is not all that visible to us regular fans. I watch a lot of games and think I have seen him sing once or twice (he's no Bill Murray) over the many years since Harry died. If I am going to do a TV interview "that pitch backed him off the plate for ball 3" with Mr. Cub, I prepare a few questions, throw him a fat one right down the middle, and then let him answer. Maybe: How is bb different today from when you played. One of the idiots finally did ask him about being at Jackie Robinson day "that's ball 4 for his 2nd walk tonight" and gave Ernie a chance to talk. "there is a ground ball to short, and a 6-4-3 double play" "Thanks for coming in Ernie!". The inning ended.

Ernie Banks - MR CUB

Ernie began his career at the age of 19 with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League. The Monarchs were one of the premier teams in Negro Baseball and Ernie played for them from 1950 to 1953. Ernie at age 22 was the first black person to play for the Cubs and the Cubs were one of the last teams to integrate. Ernie played short until 1962 and then played first until he retired in 1971. I only remember him at first. He was the league MVP in '58 & '59. He is a lifetime .274 hitter with 512 HR, the most by a shortstop. He is an 11 year all star and was inducted into the Hall in 1977. He is a legend in baseball and to the Cubs and in an interview he should be given the proper amount of respect that he deserves. Lenny/Bob are idiots!