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TITLE: Take Me Out to the Library of Congress
SPEAKER: Martha Madden, Ernie Banks, Rep. Zach Wamp
EVENT DATE: 09/30/2009
RUNNING TIME: 51 minutes
DESCRIPTION:
Librarian of Congress James H. Billington kicks off the Library's Baseball Americana Symposium with the help of Martha Madden, Ernie Banks and Rep. Zach Wamp. Baseball Hall of Famer Ernie Banks is presented with the Living Legend Award given by the Library of Congress.
Speaker Biography: Martha Madden is a friend of Ernie Banks and his wife, Liz. She shares fond memories of Banks as well as congratulating him for receiving the Living Legend Award given by the Library.
Speaker Biography: Ernie Banks is one of the most beloved figures in baseball history. His loyalty to the Chicago Cubs earned him the nickname "Mr. Cub." He broke into the Major Leagues in 1953 with the Cubs, and was the team's first black player. He played for the Cubs his entire career, starting at shortstop and moving to first base. Banks won the National League Most Valuable Player Award twice, in 1958 and 1959 and holds several Chicago Cubs team records. Banks retired as a player in 1971, and was hired by the Cubs as a coach. He eventually became the first African-American to manage the Cubs and in 1982 became the first Cub to have his number retired. Since retirement Banks has devoted considerable time to charitable work, including the Live Above and Beyond Foundation. He has been honored as a Visionary by the National Visionary Leadership Program. Banks was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.
Speaker Biography: Rep. Zach Wamp has represented Tennessee's third congressional district since 1995. He co-chairs the bipartisan Library of Congress Congressional Caucus. He participated in the Annual Roll Call Congressional Baseball Game as shortstop for the Republican team.