Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks has been named to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama—the same President Obama who Banks thought would have a hard time getting the presidency in 2008, according to ESPNChicago.com.
Banks said Tuesday he tried to stop Mr. Obama from running for office in 2007.
"I met him at a Jesse Jackson dinner at Navy Pier," said Banks. "He was there speaking. I wanted to say hi to him. I talked to his assistant and I said I have to talk to Barack.
"I got his card, and the next day he announced he was a candidate. I was going to tell him not to run. I said, 'Do you really want to do this?'”
The 81-year old Hall-of-Fame shortstop was at Wrigley Field the same day to be honored by the Cubs.
Banks said he could relate to Mr. Obama, which sparked his attempts to dissuade the president.
"I ran for Alderman in [the early 1970's] and Mayor [Richard J.] Daley was running the city," Banks said. "Someone asked the mayor where that baseball player was going to finish in the race for the 8th Ward. He said somewhere out in left field. That is where I finished."
Since Banks’ meeting with the President, he has developed a relationship with Obama. He is scheduled to receive the medal on Nov. 30.
"He is a wonderful guy and a brilliant man," Banks said. "I have tried to get him to come to Wrigley Field, but he will not. He is a loyal White Sox fan."
Banks, who played 19 years in the majors, finished his career with .274 batting average, 512 home runs, and 1636 RBIs.
