We’re going to say a proper goodbye to Ernie Banks.
And we’re going to do it by honoring his integrity and, more importantly, his best trait. Something that has vanished in sports. Let’s call it boyish enthusiasm.
It’s something we all could use in our daily tasks.
Banks had it in spades and it of course led to the “let’s play two” quote. And just about every pro athlete in Chicago could use a little of what Ernie Banks had.
Jay Cutler—or Jake Cutler, as he’s known—definitely could use some boyish enthusiasm. Hey, Jake, look around you. It’s not that bad. I mean, the team is that bad, but come on, your life could be worse.
I’m afraid Derrick Rose could use some of what Ernie Banks had. Yes, he hit the game-winner against Golden State. That aside, I’d like to see a little more joy, a little less worrying about you and your future, how that leg is going to hold up in corporate boardrooms.
Everyone on the Blackhawks is practically a boy so the enthusiasm is still there. Well played.
Joe Maddon of the Cubs never lost his enthusiasm, so I’m hoping he’ll infect the team with it.
I don’t see much enthusiasm from Robin Ventura. I’m assuming there’s a pulse in there somewhere, but it’s hard to say.
All in all, corporate greed, endorsements and agents have sucked a lot of joy out of these games. So while we mourn Mr. Cub’s passing, it’s the spirit of these games that died a while back.
Yet, we fight on. The White Sox, for example, brought back … Gordon Beckham. Didn’t realize we were desperate. Oh, boy.
Dayan Viciedo, optioned for assignment. As he should be.
As for the rest of the teams, we’re all watching the Super Bowl this weekend, trying to gain insight as to how it’s really done.
More Top Picks Apec Roes 50 Essence Series
Seattle: Young GM, older coach. Hey! We have that! Rosters oozing with talent?
Oops, we don’t have that. But we’ll get it!
Oh, and the Patriots have that Tom Brady guy.
Where can we get one of those?
Bag Boy is a RedEye special contributor.