Berry Bearak reminisces about Ernie Banks, and captures the character of the man in talking about the struggle for civil rights:

In 1969, Mark Kram, an outstanding writer for Sports Illustrated, wrote: “Banks does not appear to have much clout among the blacks. His lack of militancy bugs them, but, more important, they feel he is not part of The Cause.” Banks, Kram wrote, was perhaps “too saccharine amid the maelstrom of social calamities.”

Mr. Cub understood these reservations about his character, and he was unapologetic. He told Kram: “I care deeply about my people, but I’m not one to go about screaming over what I contribute. I’m not black or white. I’m just a human being trying to survive the only way I know how. I don’t make enemies. If I’m not crazy about somebody, he’ll never know it. I kill him with kindness.”

I visited my dad yesterday, and we talked about Ernie Banks. Dad was a Yankees fan, but he spoke with reverence toward Banks. His humanity shone through.