Ernie Banks Wishes Parents Were Alive To See Him Win Medal Of Freedom
(CBS) -- Wednesday, two iconic Chicagoans will celebrate the 50th anniversary medals of freedom: Oprah Winfrey, and Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks.
CBS 2's Chief Correspondent Jay Levine traveled to Washington and learned from Ernie Banks that he has one big regret about receiving the Medal of Freedom.
"I just think about boy, I wish my mom and dad were alive today to see this happen," said Banks.
Especially with Barack Obama as President. Ernie Banks remembers 2008 as if it were yesterday.
"I was just so happy I couldn't sleep that night for thinking about Barack," said Banks.
He will bring the President a Jackie Robinson baseball bat.
"Jackie Robinson was my idol and I really, really respected him. The first day I came to Wrigley Field, Jackie was there. The Dodgers already clinched the pennant so he came over to 3rd base and shook my hand and congratulated me on being in the major leagues and all of that and said to me, 'Ernie, just listen and you'll learn,'" said Banks.
Words to live by as he made history and will again Wednesday.
