Cubs Hall-of-Famer Visits Museum

Star Chicago Cubs Player Visits Baseball Exhibition at the Catalina Island Museum

AVALON – February 14, 2011.   He goes by the moniker “Mr. Cub.”  No player in the entire history of Chicago Cubs baseball is more beloved than Hall-of-Fame shortstop Ernie Banks.  A statue of him graces the exterior of Wrigley Field, and he was such an extraordinary player that an observer once remarked: “Without him, the Cubs would finish in Albuquerque!” 

Having retired from baseball in 1971, Banks was enjoying a recent visit to the friendly confines of Catalina Island, when he heard that the Catalina Island Museum was putting the finishing touches on “The Boys in Blue,” an exhibition dedicated to the time the Cubs spent spring training on the island.  Exhibiting his characteristic exuberance for Cubs baseball, “Mr. Sunshine” didn’t hesitate when invited to preview the show.  Off he went jauntily to the Casino. 

By all accounts, Banks was smitten with the exhibition, telling staff members who quickly assembled around the hall-of-famer: "I wish that the current Cubs players could see this exhibition, they would appreciate the history of the team they play for.  They would be better players if they understood the history of the club."

After spending nearly an hour scrutinizing every photograph, and keeping everyone laughing by telling anecdotes about the various players, Banks made his “good-byes.”  He swore to return to the island and, one staff member swears, he excused himself by saying:  “It's a beautiful day for a ballgame... Let's play two!"

The Catalina Island Museum is located on the ground floor of Avalon’s historic Casino, and is open 7 days a week, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.