From a press release sent to The Cub Reporter on Tuesday by a sports marketing company called Charity Hop:

"Chicago baseball legend Ernie Banks is launching his own wine labels with other members of the exclusive 500 Home Run Club, Mike Schmidt and Eddie Murray. The players will not profit a single dime. Instead, 100% of their proceeds will support their favorite charity. Proceeds from Ernie Banks 512 Chardonnay will support his Live Above & Beyond Foundation.

"All current 500 Home Run Club wines are produced by Eos Estate Winery out of Paso Robles, California. Expected retail per bottle of wine is $17."

The wine is supposed to be available in restaurants and retail stores in May.

As for the Ernie Banks Live Above & Beyond Foundation, I've never heard of it, but based on the press release, it sounds like a worthy organization, one that exists to help "eliminate prejudice, support programs that enhance neighborhoods and relieve discrimination among various age groups and races."

Not having tasted Ernie Banks 512 Chardonnay, I cannot vouch for the wine.

I will say, however, that when I hear the name "Mike Schmidt," the very first thing I think of is zinfandel...zinfandel and crying like a 7-year-old girl who just learned that her little brother fed her Barbie Doll to the trash compactor.