Ernie Banks, the Greatest Cub: Ernie Speaks-- Part 1

From the Jan. 25, 2015, Chicago Tribune.

Aside from his home runs, Banks was a perennial optimist known for his annual slogans assuring Cub fans their high hopes would be rewarded.

"The Cubs will come alive in '65," he proclaimed before the team ended  with a dismal 90 losses and an eighth place finish.

Then in 1966, with new manager Leo Durocher, Banks announced "The Cubs will shoot from the hip with 'Leo the Lip,".  That was the year the Cubs finished last, in 10th place with 103 losses.

Then in 1966, he had some rhyming problems, but came out with "The Cubs will be heavenly in '67."  And, the Cubs did improve to third place and 84 wins.

--DaCoot