Ross and I have something in common: We’ve both been on a yearlong retirement party.”

• “(Epstein’s) job is to quench droughts. Eighty-six years in Boston, 108 in Chicago. He takes the reins of an organization that’s wandered in the wilderness and delivers them to the promised land. I’ve talked to him about being DNC (Democratic National Committee) chair. He decided wisely to stick to baseball.”

• “Throughout our history, sports has had this power to bring us together even when the country is divided. Sports has changed attitudes and culture in ways that seem subtle but that ultimately made us think differently about ourselves and who we are.

“It is a game and a celebration, but there is a direct line between Jackie Robinson and me standing here. There is a direct line between people loving Ernie Banks and the city being able to come together and work together in one spirit.”

The day also had an impact on the Cubs, who brought a big turnout, including Hall of Famers Fergie Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg and Billy Williams.

“It’s a very humbling moment to be a part of this segment of Cubs history, to be here for my second year as manager of the team and to accomplish what we did in such a short period of time; it’s pretty magnificent, actually,” said manager Joe Maddon.

“To do it on Martin Luther King Day, to be brought here is pretty special. I’ve always been a big Jackie Robinson fan. I’ve always had his pictures in my office, wherever I’ve worked. All those things combined, to be here today, is very special for all of us.”

First baseman Anthony Rizzo talked about meeting President Obama and wife Michelle before the ceremony.

“You just got a room that’s all chatter, chatter, chatter,” Rizzo said. “The president and the first lady walk in, and it’s complete silence. You could hear a pin drop.

“It was amazing. You just get chills running through your body. Who knows when that will ever happen again?”

If it does, here’s hoping nobody acts like they’ve been there before.

It’s that special.