Ernie Banks

"Loyalty and friendship, which is to me the same, created all the wealth that I've ever thought I'd have."

Ernie Banks

"But it all comes down to friendship, treating people right."

Ernie Banks

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

Ernie Banks

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

Ernie Banks

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

Ernie Banks

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

Ernie Banks

"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."

Ernie Banks

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

Ernie Banks

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

Ernie Banks

"Baseball reveals character; golf exposes it"

Ernie Banks

"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."

Ernie Banks

"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."

Ernie Banks

"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."

Ernie Banks

"I learned from Mr. Wrigley, early in my career, that loyalty wins and it creates friendships. I saw it work for him in his business."

Ernie Banks

"I own stock, and I also insure my car with Geico."

Ernie Banks

"When I wake up in the morning, I feel like a billionaire without paying taxes."

Ernie Banks

"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient."

Ernie Banks

"My theme is, 'The spirit of friendship is the balance of life.' Not money. Not the World Series. It's friendship. The relationships I have with people, that's enough to keep me happy."

Ernie Banks