Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Wrigley Statues


I had attended the unveiling of the Ernie Banks statue at Wrigley Field, on Opening Day, 2008.  I have some photos I like of that beautiful monument to Chicago baseball.  But as I had no photos of the Billy Williams and Ron Santo statues, a recent ballpark trip included two visits to the statuary.  Here is Ernie in the soft light of early evening.
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2 comments:

  1. Brick HouseMay 30, 2012 at 12:53 AM

    didn't there used to be a softball/baseball award called the Ernie Banks Award at LHS?

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    1. Rick Beato PhotoMay 30, 2012 at 7:52 AM

      Good memory, Bruce. In 1990, when I began the program, I did several things to build a foundation, manhy of which worked quite well. One was to send a letter to Ernie Banks, asking permission to name an award in his honor. A month before the season, I had not been answered, so I picked up the telephone and asked to speak to someone who was in contact with former players. The phone rang, and a man answered by saying "Speaker's Bureau." I recognized the voice but did not waste time asking his identity, as I knew Billy Williams was the head of that office. I explained what I wanted, he promised to call Ernie for me, and I had a message two or three days later. Ernie sent me a letter thanking me for asking and heartily endorsing the concept.
      One senior girl and one senior boy would be nominated by the head coach -- Jim Steben and I worked quite well together -- for this award, which expected on-field excellence but rewarded the intangibles. Ernie himself listed the elements he felt were the bases of his career, and the most important of all was love. Caring for others. It became an important award for the players who knew my drive and passion and who knew that this award certified my recognition of their efforts. Check the list sometime, from Kristin and then Courtney Dipert to Erika Buchholz and Stephanie Gockley and Katie Muelhausen . . . you get the idea.
      I did not ask for the award to be ended with me retirement, but when Jim and I were leaving, the drive and basis of the award was no longer obvious. It was pretty much decided that Ernie would retire from Lisle when I did. No problem on my end; the award did what I wanted it to do. Remember the nice quote I read at the banquet from Jen Lovern? Another winner, of course!

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