Ernie Banks

"Let's play two!"

So, there are two posts today, in honor of Dallas native Ernie Banks, who spent his entire major league career with the Chicago Cubs and was known for his enthusiasm and upbeat personality.

Banks, the first African American player for the Cubs in 1953, was twice named National League MVP and inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. He retired in 1971 with 512 career home runs, including 277 at shortstop -- a record eventually broken by Cal Ripken Jr.

Banks currently lives in the Los Angeles area. He has established the "Live Above and Beyond" Foundation, whose purpose is to "eliminate prejudice, support programs that enhance neighborhoods, and relieve discrimination among various ages groups and races."

Below are excerpts from a 2006 interview about segregation and cultural changes in baseball.