Sunday, March 15, 2009
News Profile: Walter Banks, baseball usher
Posted by Andy Nelson on Sun, Mar 15, 2009 at 2:05 PM
An usher for the Braves since 1966, Banks is a well-known personality at Turner Field. He’s legendary among fellow attendants for his extensive knowledge of numbers and baseball, as well as for his humble personality.
What is a typical day like for you?
I try to give the fans a real Braves experience — making them feel welcome, talking to them, and just making them feel at home. [Depending on] the way they’re treated, there’s a chance they’ll bring somebody back with them, and then that person will bring somebody back. A real Braves experience is just rolling the red carpet out and making them feel at home.
Can you describe what happened when Hank Aaron set the record?
Of all the big events I’ve witnessed, that was one of the biggest. That was a centerpiece of the Braves franchise. On every aisle seat, there’s a logo of Hank Aaron.
How do you feel about Barry Bonds being recognized as the new home run king over Hank Aaron?
You don’t get involved in controversies over who’s the best or who’s not the best. You leave it up to Major League Baseball to make those kinds of decisions. I still feel that the all-time switch hitter was Mickey Mantle. The all-time left-handed hitter was Barry Bonds, and the all-time right-handed hitter was Hank Aaron.
Would you consider yourself a celebrity?
When you start thinking like that, you’re not showing the right attitude. You’re just here to help. You’re here to assist. But as far as being a celebrity, no. I think you’re treading on dangerous ground when you start thinking like that.
I’m 21 years old. What baseball-related facts can you tell me about the number 21?
One of the greatest players of all time was number 21. His name was Warren Spahn. He won 363 games. Roberto Clemente [of the Pittsburgh Pirates] was also number 21, and was the first Latin American player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. When you get to right field [in PNC Park], the scoreboard there is 21 feet high.
Do you have any plans for retirement?
Well, you’re just as good and strong as your health. No matter how good the fruit on the tree is, every piece of fruit falls off, and every leaf falls off. So far, my fruit is still on the tree, and I’m still enjoying it.
(Photo by Joeff Davis)
Comments (1)
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You couldn't have picked a better profile. Mr. Banks is a class act, and the Braves PR team erred big time when they stopped the "Ask Walter" segment that used to appear during home games. Instead fans are subjected to the obnoxiously loud banter of the between-innings host (the guy who provides the play-by-play on the Home Depot tool race). I guess that makes sense -- I mean, who wants to hear about baseball at a baseball game. Now, throwing out the first pitch, Kroger's VP of marketing, Tom Whogivesafuck. And while I'm at it -- can we put a lid on "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" during the 7th inning stretch? This ain't a fucking football game; baseball fans, at least some of them, have decent taste.
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