By Ken Reed
One of baseball’s greats (as a player and person), Ernie Banks, passed away from a heart attack on Friday.
It’s a big loss but he left a great legacy with his “Let’s play two!” life philosophy.
Esteemed baseball writer Thomas Boswell nailed it in an ode to Banks.
“‘It’s a great day for a ballgame. Let’s play two’ isn’t just a quotation that will probably end up in Bartlett’s. It’s philosophy.,” wrote Boswell.
“The outward joy Banks professed, even if it was partly innate to his temperament, was also a daily act of will: a lifelong private commitment to enthusiasm as a guiding principle.”
Banks landed in the Hall of Fame for his baseball accomplishments — 512 home runs, Gold-glove fielder, the first power-hitting middle infielder, etc. — but he’s even more known for his great attitude. Banks remained positive despite playing his entire career for the lowly Chicago Cubs and holding the record for most games played without a postseason appearance.
It is “the man who exemplified an entire stance toward how we approach life, who will be remembered long after most of baseball’s 500-home run men are forgotten.”
All of us, whatever career path we’re on, whatever industry we work in, can bring a “Let’s play two!’ attitude to work today.
I think Banks would say there can be no better tribute to him than that.
— Ken Reed, Sports Policy Director, League of Fans
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