Club International Spring Membership Party

Special appearance by newly registered Club Member - Ernie Banks

Ernie Banks
Banks is regarded as one of the most popular baseball players in Chicago sports history. He was a constant promoter of the Cubs and of daytime play at Wrigley Field. His popularity and positive attitude led to the nicknames "Mr. Cub" and "Mr. Sunshine."


In 1982, his uniform number 14 became the first to be retired by the Cubs. It had already been unofficially retired for nearly 9 years, because it was not assigned to anyone else after Banks' retirement from coaching.


In 1977, in his first year of eligibility, Banks was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The beginning of Banks' induction speech that August 8 leads off the Baseball's Greatest Hits Vol. II CD. Commissioner Bowie Kuhn is heard presenting Banks, who says, "Thank you very much, Commissioner, for the fine introduction. We've got the setting - sunshine, fresh air; we've got the team behind us so . . . 'Let's play two!"
In 1999, he ranked Number 38 on The Sporting News list of Baseball's Greatest Players, and was elected to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.


Since 1920, The Drake Hotel has set Chicago's standard for elegance and excellence. As the benchmark for sophisticated hospitality, The Drake introduced Club International in the 1940s.


This members-only society enjoys exclusive dining and leisure privileges at The Drake. While many members join to continue family legacies, others among Chicago's most discriminating residents have come to appreciate the comfort and convenience membership allows.

Mr.Banks is so warm, friendly and fun. He turned 80 years old this past January.