Jack’s Winning Words 1/26/15
“’Let’s play two!’ Ernie Banks’ words reflected his outlook on life.”  (FOX Sports)  One of my heroes died last week.  Mr. Cub is mourned by many who have admired his enthusiasm for the game of baseball and for life in general.  “Let’s play two!” are the words of a person who is willing to do more than is expected, who loves his job.  What a great attitude to have in our own life.  When asked to do something today, smile and say, “Let’s play two!”   ;-)  Jack

FROM TARMART REV:  Speaks for itself!! Be blessed today, Jack . . . and a blessing to another!! ====JACK:  Blessed/blessing are words, often used by reverends, that could use further explanation. ====REV:  ...but from one reverend to another...no further explanation is needed!!====JACK:  Our "calling" is to be interpreters of the Bible and its terms.
====REV:  ...making it tough on an old Kansan wishing a friend a 'blessed day'. Blessed would be a relative term, hoping your definition would be your blessing for the day...mine might cause you a disappointment, as sitting at Walmart all afternoon greeting folk?====JACK:  I was thinking of "bless" in the biblical sense..."To call for God's favor on someone."

FROM RJP IN NAPLES:  Indeed, we need more Ernies for our children to look up to.  A friend who lives here in my development, Ross Mersinger, pitched for the Cubbies and knew Ernie.  Says wonderful things about him.  My brother in law who is visiting now said he slept with his Ernie Banks glove.  Keep warm. Also keep up the good work, I truly enjoy your winning words. ====JACK:  I like another name that was given to Ernie...Mr. Sunshine.  We like to be around people who have an optimistic disposition and who love their job.

FROM CHESTER THE GOOD:  Ernie Banks was what was right about baseball. What a great role model.====JACK:  It was said about Banks..."His approach to life impacted many beyond the baseball diamond."

FROM ST. PAUL WINTERING IN MESA:  or even three!====JACK:  The only triple-header played in Major League Baseball was on 10/2/1920, between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh (no lights). Ernie was born yet.

FROM FM IN WISCONSIN:  What a neat comment on this great ball player.  Loved him, and his love for game and the Cubs.====JACK:  There aren't many ballplayers who are referred to as, "beloved"...Certainly not Ty Cobb of the Tigers.

FROM JB AT LSTC:   Thanks for your tribute.  Chicago pays tribute to our beloved Mr. Cub http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-ernie-banks-memorial-cubs-spt-0126-20150125-story.html..  ====JACK:  Thanks for the link.  I'm sure that the Wednesday Memorial in downtown Chicago will draw more fans than Wrigley Field could hold.

FROM MOLINER JT:  AMEN !!====JACK:  Another expression…Go the extra mile.   BTW, I thought that you were are a Cardinal fan.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Love his enthusiasm!====JACK:  Enthusiasm has a Greek origin, meaning to have the spirit of God within you. 

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  MY MOM WAS A DIE-HARD CUB FAN, AND LOVED (!) ERNIE BANKS...I DIDN'T FOLLOW BASEBALL MUCH THEN, BUT I KNEW ERNIE BANKS!  HE WAS SO SPECIAL, AND SO SHALL HIS MEMORY BE...AS A DIE-HARD CUBBY NOW, NONE HAS COME CLOSE TO HIS ESTEEM!  THO I'VE ADMIRED A FEW "RECENT" PLAYERS.  PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS OF ALL SPORTS HAVE SUCH AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE ROLE MODELS, AND HEROES. FEW MEASURE UP. DEREK JETER WOULD BE ONE.... ====JACK:  Once a year, Cub players would come to Moline for an exhibition game with their farm team, the Moline Plows.  One year the catchers from the 2 teams tried to catch balls thrown from the top of the 15-story LeClaire Hotel.  I was there to see it and don't remember that any of the balls were caught, but they did bounce high when they hit the street.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  The eternal optimist.====JACK:  I wonder if he ever thought that he'd be on a team that won the World Series?

FROM WORKIN MAMA IN WISCONSIN:  i wish i had read this before i went to work today- i would've said at work today "lets play five!"  I do love my job.    perhaps that is why the docs all appreciate me. tomorrow when they come  i will say "lets play only  two" today  and see if they catch on!====JACK:  It's surprising...how much work can be done by someone who loves her/his work.  No wonder Ernie was named "Most Valuable Player."  You should get an MVP award, too.