Jan. 27--The death of Ernie Banks last Friday touched fans all across the world, including an old friend of his, former Cubs pitcher Ken Holtzman.
The two were Cubs teammates from 1965 through 1971, before Banks retired and Holtzman was traded to the A's. Along with Billy Williams, Ron Santo and Fergie Jenkins, Banks and Holtzman were part of the nucleus of the late 1960s Cubs teams that resuscitated a franchise that had been dormant for decades.
"I, of course, was very sad to hear about Ernie," Holtzman said in an email. "Even though I haven't seen him in quite a while, he along with Ronnie remained central figures in my professional life. My locker was next to Ronnie's and three down from Ernie's for almost seven years, so we shared many moments and experiences."
Holtzman recalled the first time he met Banks in 1965, when he was called up to the Cubs as a 19-year-old in early September.
"When (Cubs coach) Buck O'Neil picked me up at the airport for my first day in the big leagues, he drove me to the hotel and then to the park and introduced me to Ernie first who was very gracious and welcoming to this scared 19 year old rookie," Holtzman said.
"I've told many people since I've retired that my biggest thrill in my Major League career was not the many World Series I was in or All Star games, no-hitters, etc., but the very first day I suited up and walked on that beautiful green carpet alongside Banks, Santo, Williams and other players that I had read about as a kid.
"I told Ernie that one day after I had retired when I saw him in Chicago for some event and he knew exactly what I meant, even though he never had the opportunity to play in the post season."
Banks was renowned for his exuberance and positive outlook, but Holtzman said he was much more than that, and could be very serious at times.
"Ernie and I had several long and extended conversations during road trips which were very revealing about his inner goodness, intelligence and strength of character," he said. "Although most people associate him with being perpetually upbeat, I got to see his serious side as well as his honesty and knowledge."
Banks and Holtzman were part of the infamous 1969 team that remains beloved by Cubs fans despite falling apart in the final month and blowing the division title to the Mets. Holtzman believes the '69 team remains so popular today because Cubs' fans refused to let the bad ending spoil a memorable season.
"I think the '69 Cubs remain a special memory for so many Chicago fans because for 24 years they had been second division dwellers and now, in the age of the baby boomers and the upheaval of American culture, we were going to be the end of the futility and the beginning of a new era in Chicago sports," he said.
"When it all collapsed at the end, it was so disappointing that many of those fans simply refused to forget the fun and excitement of the first five months of that season and now, as parents and grandparents, that team remains a link to their youth.
"Ernie Banks represents the heart and excellence of that team, just like Stan Musial does for Cardinals fans and Roberto Clemente does for Pirate fans."
The game is much different from when Holtzman played, with huge contracts handed out to young players based on expectations rather than actual performances. But Holtzman said he still loves the game and doesn't begrudge modern day players for cashing in so quickly.
"I still enjoy watching Major League baseball regardless of the millions of dollars today's players receive," he said. "I'm envious on some level about the tremendous financial achievements of the players but, in all honesty, I'm glad I played back then just so I can tell my grandkids that I got to play with and be a friend to Ernie Banks."
Holtzman said he still keeps up with the Cubs and believes the end of the championship drought is at hand.
"From what I read, the Cubs new ownership is committed to winning by competing with the rest of the teams by fixing up the park, signing expensive new talent and strengthening their farm system," he said. "I expect them to win it all in the next few years and hopefully I'll be able to attend a World Series game in Wrigley Field."
