Last week the CBOE invited Ernie Banks to ring the opening bell at the exchange. CBOE is the named sponsor of the new seats next to the Cubs dugout. I was lucky enough to join Mr. Cub for breakfast. Everyone turned into a twelve year old when Ernie was in the room. People had baseballs, cards and pictures. One trader had a picture of him as a kid with Ernie at a spring training game.

I had Ernie sign a couple of baseballs that now have Williams, Santo, Jenkins and Banks autographs. He also signed a few Cub Flags including one that flew over Wrigley Field.

But the best was him signing the newspaper from his 500th Home Run. I'd been saving that since I was ten.

Ernie was great to everyone, staying around to take pictures and shake hands. When asked if he had any predictions for this year he responded:

"Take a Journey with Ernie and We'll Play Ball in the Fall!"

Here's hoping for a long journey.