Fred, I echo your sentiments. Saw Ernie play against the Dodgers, both at the Coliseum and at Dodger Stadium. About 30 years ago, I met him in person at an autograph show in Monrovia. He took the time to talk to everyone who came up for his autograph. My in-laws were from Illinois and huge Cub fans. They had eight biological children - five daughters and three sons. My MIL always considered Ernie her "fourth" son.