Ernie Banks always looked forward to Opening Day at Wrigley Field. The Hall of Famer with the “let’s play two” attitude couldn’t wait to start another season.
Monday when the Cubs open the 2008 season against the Milwaukee Brewers at the Friendly Confines, the Cubs will pay tribute to Banks when they unveil a statue of him in front of the ballpark at the corner Clark and Addison Streets. “This is richly deserved honor for Ernie Banks,” said former Cubs president John McDonough.
“The statue will help immortalize someone who continues to have a tremendous impact on the Cubs and their fans just as he did while he was on the playing field.” Now 76 years old, Banks played his entire 14-year (1958- 1971) Major League Baseball career with the Cubs.
A14-time National League all star shortstop and first baseman, Banks hit 512 career homers and won Most Valuable Player honors in 1958 and 1959. He ranks second in team history with 2,583 hits and 1636 RBIs. He’s the Cubs all-time leader with 2,528 game played and 1,009 extra base hits. Banks began his professional career with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues.
Banks will become the second person to have a statue erected at Wrigley Field. Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Caray has a statue at the corner of Addison Avenue and Waveland. “This is a truly tremendous honor, Banks said. “I would like to thank the Cubs organization and its fans and all the people who help throughout my playing career.
The Cubs mean everything to me.” Righthander Carlos Zambrano is scheduled to start Monday’s home opener for the Cubs. It’s the start of a three-game series against the Brewers and a six-game homestand.
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