[habs4ever]

Jean Beliveau retired 31 yrs ago, yet it probably the most revered ex-player in the public square today, and its because he has always been grateful for the indulgence of the fans wherever he goes.He is known around the world, which continues to suprise him, but the younger sports stars know of him, his legend, just as Johnny Unitas was an icon to so many.These men came from another era when their image meant so much to them and earning the respect of the paying fan was paramount.

[andysandmikesmom]

When I was growing up, and we were always watching baseball, the Chicago Cubs, of course, our hero was Ernie Banks....a fine player, an even finer human being...he played for a team, that was always lousy, the Cubs lost more than they won, yet Ernie hung in there, encouraging us all to the all too familiar north side of Chicago chant 'Just you wait until next year'....

Ernie had the respect and love of all of Chicago, in a seemmingly fruitless quest to propell the Chicago Cubs to a pennant race...he did not whine about the Cubs always losing, he did not act like a star, he never made near the money that todays players make...

But he loved baseball, played like he loved baseball, and he loved the fans, and the fans loved him...I think that about says it all...