Above / Fond memories of the life story of Ernie Banks tugged at our hearts this week when we learned his home team jersey, pictured here, is up for auction until Sat., Aug. 22.
Yep. Some Chicago Cubs fans still use the telephone.
Tuesday we answered a call from Terry Melia from SCP Auctions, Inc., known for handing important sports memorabilia and cards. (If only the boxes upon boxes sized for baseball cards stashed in our sons’ closets had value in today’s market!)
Mindful of the hot 2015 season when devoted fans are more optimistic than usual (as well as a family history of Chicago Cubs fanship), we offered to help create a little awareness for the auction now in progress that features a 1968 flannel Ernie Banks Chicago Cubs home jersey, worn by the baseball legend. Banks was voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977, the first year of his eligibility.
Known as “Mr. Cub” and “Mr. Sunshine,” Banks died earlier this year just before his 84th birthday.
Above / Playing for the Chicago Cubs from 1953-1971, Ernie Banks is quoted as saying, “You must try to generate happiness within yourself. If you aren’t happy in one place, chances are you won’t be happy anyplace.” Thanks, Mr. Sunshine!
Here’s the scoop about the auction item…
Randy “Boomer” Berman is the consignor of the 1968 Ernie Banks jersey.
According to Melia, Berman received the jersey as a birthday gift on Dec. 14, 1978, from his dad’s brother, Jeff Berman, gave it to him.
A resident of the Rogers Park community, Boomer tells a great story behind the acquisition of the Ernie Banks’ Cubs jersey from his Uncle Jeff.
Boomer has had the jersey in his possession for the past 37 years and decided to finally consign the jersey now since he knows it’s probably worth a great deal and he can really use the money, some of which he will be sharing with his seven nieces and nephews.
His uncle acquired it directly from Ernie himself back in the early ‘70s while serving as a counselor at the Scottsdale (AZ) Boys & Girls Club, which was situated right next door to where the Cubs played their Spring Training games at Scottsdale Stadium. Jeff Berman worked with both of Ernie’s fraternal twins, Jerry and Joey. To show his appreciation for Jeff’s work with his two sons, Ernie gave Jeff Berman his jersey.
The game-worn home jersey is approaching the $75,000 mark and the auction company anticipates it will clear the $150,000 plateau when the auction closes at 7PM on Saturday, August 22, Chicago time.
Link to Ernie Banks’ team jersey, up for auction
1968 Ernie Banks’ Chicago Cubs game-worn home jersey / Multiple photo matches include June 10, 1968 two home run game. (Direct Banks Provnance, Mears A10.
http://catalog.scpauctions.com/1968_ERNIE_BANKS_CHICAGO_CUBS_GAME_WORN_HOME_JERSE-LOT31967.aspx
