[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 27, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MR. CUB, ERNIE BANKS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 2015

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary life and accomplishments of Ernie Banks--known by 
Chicagoans as ``Mr. Cub.''
  Chicago lost a true hero and friend when Ernie Banks passed away on 
Friday, January 23. His baseball accomplishments are legendary. During 
his playing days, cheers would always erupt at Wrigley Field when Banks 
would make a clutch hit or a spectacular diving catch. His greatness 
was well acknowledged: Banks was voted into the National Baseball Hall 
of Fame in 1977--the very first year he was eligible.
  While Banks excelled on the field, he also blazed a trail off of it. 
As the first African-American player for the Chicago Cubs, he was a 
pioneer in our community and across the country. Banks treated people 
well, got along with most everyone and stood for justice even as he 
faced discrimination. During road trips, hotels and restaurants open to 
his white teammates were often closed to him and other African-
Americans. I am happy to see how far we have come as a country 
throughout the course of his career and his lifetime.
  Banks founded the Ernie Banks Live Above and Beyond Foundation, which 
helps promote social welfare and assist youth and seniors who may need 
assistance. I know he was very proud of the young players on Chicago's 
own Jackie Robinson West team who won the Little League championship 
last year.
  According to Fox Chicago, Jackie Robinson West player Lawrence Noble 
said, `I met [Ernie Banks] during the summer and he was such an 
inspirational person to me, it was just very sad hearing that he passed 
away.'
  It's clear that the next generation appreciates the impact of Mr. 
Cub. We can honor the legacy of Mr. Cub by doing our own part to break 
down barriers and build a better community. We will miss you, Ernie.

                          ____________________