SOLD - Ernie Banks Signing Autographs at Wrigley Field, 1969
Source: Chicago Tribune Archives
Photo Subject: Ernie Banks signs autographs before the Chicago Cubs opener against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field on April 8, 1969.
Fun Fact: Ernie Banks holds the major league record for most games played without a postseason appearance (2,528).
"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
What some may consider a sad twist of fate for such a talented athlete, Banks said he never regretted being a Cub. Banks' popularity and positive attitude led to his nickname "Mr. Cub". He was also known for his catchphrase, "It's a beautiful day for a ballgame - Let's play two!", or “When I wake up in the morning, I feel like a billionaire without paying taxes”.
His catchphrase for the 1969 season was “the Cubs are gonna shine in sixty-nine”, a prophecy that almost came true. In mid-August the Cubs had an 8-1/2 game lead in the NL East, only to see this lead evaporate at the hands of the Miracle Mets.
Painting Detail: Printed on 8-1/2 ” x 11” canvas and painted using Schmincke Mussini and Marshall’s oil paints. Finer details were made using Prismacolor pencils.