Major League Baseball

'Let's play two!' Ernie Banks' words reflected his outlook on life

Published Jan. 24, 2015 12:30 a.m. ET

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Ernie Banks' positive attitude was infectious, and it shined through in the wisdom of his words.

Banks, who died Friday at the age of 83, was much more than a hero to the city of Chicago and its legion of Cubs fans, much more than a Hall of Famer and baseball legend.

Banks also impacted many beyond the diamond with his approach to life. 

He spent 19 seasons with the mostly-woeful Cubbies, yet always kept a smile on his face and played with grit and determination on the diamond. He knew that working hard always was more important than achieving your goals, and he showed what can happen when one maintains a positive outlook when faced with the many challenges of life.

His life easily can be summed up with one of his famous quotes: "But it all comes down to friendship, treating people right."

So to remember "Mr. Cub" himself, here are just a few of the many memorable quotes that Banks shared over his impactful 83 years:

"Digging for gold is more important than the gold itself."

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

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

"Work? I never worked a day in my life. I always loved what I was doing, had a passion for it."

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

"Awards mean a lot, but they don't say it all. The people in baseball mean more to me than statistics."

"It's a kind of philosophy of my own life, to create the energy enough to keep on going."

And, of course:

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