Ernie Banks

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money."

"I like my players to be married and in debt. That's the way you motivate them."

"Did you hear that? I didn't hear anything. Put that question another way."

"The only way to prove that you're a good sport is to lose."

"Sandy Koufax. Sandy was a special problem for me because he possessed exceptional control, speed and a great curve ball. He was highly disciplined, extremely committed and a very private person. These qualities enabled him to concentrate on his profession without a lot of unnecessary distractions."

"It's a great day for a ball game; let's play two!"

"You must try to generate happiness within yourself. If you aren't happy in one place, chances are you won't be happy anyplace."

"Baseball reveals character; golf exposes it"

"There's another case — Ernie Banks. What could he do other than hit home runs? He didn't hit .300 lifetime. He couldn't play shortstop. He didn't have an arm. He couldn't run."

"His wrists are the secret of (Ernie) Banks' success. Instead of taking the big Ruthian type swing of the lively ball era, he swings his bat as if it were a buggy whip, striking at the ball with the reflexive swiftness of a serpent's tongue."

"He never complained about his team's bad luck or bad talent, never stopped playing the game for 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 Cubs' fans undiminishing resilience. If he could be happy to come to the park each afternoon, then so could we."