The Chicago Traveler

Chicago Cubs Honor Ernie Banks

by Matt B on April 1st, 2008

Even Ernie Banks himself couldn't believe his eyes.

“Is that me?” he asked. The Chicago Cubs unveiled a bronze statue of the Hall of Famer outside Wrigley Field yesterday. The likeness stands at bat with a Louisville Slugger in his hands and a grin on his face. That grin was exactly the same as the one on the real Banks’ face, a grin that has won the hearts of Chicagoans for decades. It's a symbol of his ever-cheerful demeanor, and it’s what earned him nicknames like “Mr. Cub” and “Mr. Sunshine.” He was also well-known for his catch phrase, “It’s a beautiful day for a ballgame… Let’s play two!” Ernie had a genuine love of the game.

And now, baseball shows its love for him. In 1982, Banks was the first Chicago Cub to have his number (#14) retired. Yesterday, he became the first Cub to be immortalized in bronze. The City of Chicago also declared March 31 as “Ernie Banks Day.”

Mr. Cub most certainly deserves it. He is a two-time National League MVP and an 11-time All-Star selection. He hit 512 home runs and 1,636 RBI. He currently holds the Cubs’ records for games played, at-bats, and total bases. Perhaps most admirable, he had signed on with the Chicago Cubs in 1953 as their first Black player.

Ernie Banks is one of the most popular baseball players in Chicago sports history. Now, with this statue, Mr. Cub said it best, “Long after I’m not here, I’ll still be here.”

Photo credit: polomex, Wikipedia

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