Hey! Hey! Ernie Banks Gets Presidential Medal Of Freedom

Congratulations to Ernie Banks, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama this morning.

Ernie expressed humility at the honor:

"It means everything to me," Banks said in August about the award. "It means life is just wonderful. When you do things to try to help people and share things, it really comes back to you. I try to do that. I love the players, love Wrigley Field, love all the players. ... This award means a lot to me. It's almost like the Nobel Peace Prize to me."

The Medal of Freedom was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy and is presented to those who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

And in case you were wondering:

Banks joins a distinguished list of baseball players to receive the honor, including Hank Aaron (2002), Roberto Clemente (2003) Joe DiMaggio (1977), Stan Musial (2011), Buck O'Neil (2006), Frank Robinson (2005), Jackie Robinson (1984) and Ted Williams (1991).

This, after NPR this morning had to apologize for placing "Mr. Cub" on the wrong Chicago team.

Again, this is a great honor from our country, and congratulations to Ernie. Please, keep your political views to yourself.