by Steve Ferguson, OTSL Co-Founder
In all my formative years seeing Wrigley Field on TV
I really relished the chance to see it live in all its splendor
Finally the opportunity presented itself in the summer of 2003
Granted the game wasn't important as standings were concerned
But the atmosphere and the excitement were there nonetheless
At last I stepped through the doors of this hallowed stadium
The golden plaques on the wall, the green grass, beautiful field
And of course who could forget the legendary ivy covered walls
Watching the game took me back to some of the great days of this park
The days when the Cubs had some of the best talent
Billy Williams, Ferguson Jenkins and Ron Santo
But none of them quite matched the talent, personality or pizzazz
Of Mr. Cub himself Ernie Banks
The first African-American player in Cubs history
His awesome ability both defensively and with the bat
Coupled with his energetic zest, his unforgettable effervescent smile
He had an insatiable passion for the game like no other
It made him so easy to love and accessible to all
When he finished his career in 1971
He had been selected to 14 All-Star games
Won 2 Silver Slugger awards, hit 40 plus home runs 6 times
And bashed 512 home runs
But I will always remember this man for one quote
Let's play 2!!
All of us who follow baseball will forever remember Mr. Sunshine
One of the best ever in this great game!
