By Ron Rapoport

One of two biographies called “Let’s Play Two” about Ernie Banks that came out in 2019. Rapoport (long time Chicago sports writer) this is a magisterial work, that gives a lot of information about Banks, his life, his play, his family, and his friends. It seems to want to puncture the myth of “Let’s Play Two!” and Mr. Cub. Which he sort of does.

He makes a strong case that Banks deflected people talking about his life and struggles by focusing on baseball and other people. And after talking abut the foibles and fun that teammates and managers have…extracurricular activities of the married and unmarried ball players. And there is an implication that he engaged in them too – and least post playing days. But its not followed up upon.

I don’t know that I was expecting a full break down of the man and the mythos. But it seems that as people age and pass there will be no ability to examine his life. It was nice to read a non-hagiography of Ernie. He was a baseball and Cubs legend. I saw him at a distance a few times at Wrigley and Hohokam. He was elected to the Hall of Fame when I was 1. Like a lot of Cubs fans I grew up on his legend. If you are going to give us “the straight dope” go for it. I understand that very few ball players, heck people, live up to the reputation and legend they create. But either put all the cards on the table or don’t start.

464 Pages

3.75/5