Our National Pastime lost one of its greatest ambassadors in January with the unfortunate passing of Mr. Cub just a week shy of his 84th birthday. So it seems perfectly fitting that this year's National Sports Collectors Convention should be held in none other than Banks' beloved Windy City, just an "L" ride away from the Friendly Confines. Ernie had attended the National multiple times in the past—with true-blue fans coming out in droves to bask in their hero's sunshine—and he was slated to return for an encore autograph session this time around. What we all wouldn't give now to once again see that million-dollar smile, those twinkling eyes, to hear Mr. Cub's cheery voice deliver his carpe-diem message to the world: "It's a beautiful day for a ballgame...Let's play two!"

     With this reverent, breathtakingly realistic portrait, Ron Stark has brought Banks back to life in his 1960s glory. The effervescent joy, the deep wisdom, the physical prowess, the competitive drive, the big-hearted humanity—all of these qualities burned into our collective memory bank are writ large in Stark's haunting homage. Rendered in a Baroque style reminiscent of Caravaggio, the 36" x 26" work invokes a slice of Cubs heaven by bathing Banks in an angelic glow against a dramatic backdrop of billowing clouds. For the Florida-based Stark, this piece has extra-special personal resonance because shortly after completing it, Ron took his 18-year-old son—a die-hard Cubs fan—on a pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Wrigley as a high-school graduation present. Ernie Banks would no doubt be delighted. For as he liked to tell folks, "Life is a song. Sing it. Life is a game. Play it. Life is a challenge. Meet it. Life is a dream. Realize it.'"

      Bio: Son of legendary illustrator/artist Bruce Stark, Ron is one of the most popular and respected sports artists today. For nearly 25 years, Ron has perfected his craft while paying homage to history’s finest athletic icons. Stark’s work has been showcased at galleries and museums (including a special commission for the Ted Williams Museum), at Camden Yards, on Topps cards, and on the covers of books and magazines. He often paints directly for his loyal clientele and thus seldom surfaces at auction.

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