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Chicago Cubs plan special Opening Day tribute to Ernie Banks

By Josh Criswell

Mar 5, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the number 14 on a Chicago Cubs hat as a tribute to the memory of Ernie Banks during their game against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training baseball game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the number 14 on a Chicago Cubs hat as a tribute to the memory of Ernie Banks during their game against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training baseball game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wrigley Field is filling its famed bleachers with images of the late Ernie Banks to kick-off the 2015 season.

Whether fans are excited about a new free-agent signing, a promising young prospect or simply the fact that their team has a clean slate, Opening Day is one of the most anticipated dates of the MLB season. This year for the Chicago Cubs, however, the season-opener against the hated St. Louis Cardinals on April 5th will take on a much more sentimental meaning.

When Ernie Banks passed away this January, Chicagoans and baseball fans everywhere lost a legend, both on and off the baseball diamond. Fortunately for fans at Wrigley Field for Opening Day 2015, they will be able to give the beloved Banks one last proper farewell.

The always enthusiastic “Bleacher Bums” will not be making an appearance, thanks to unforeseen delays in the stadium’s five-year renovation known as the 1060 Project. Cub fans should not be disappointed, though, as the team has something much more special planned for Wrigley’s historic bleachers that night.

"“When people walk into the ballpark on Opening Night, they will see beautiful photographic images of Ernie Banks throughout his career,” Cubs spokesman Julian Green said via CBS Chicago. “Several images which we believe are just wonderful depictions of who he was.”"

The images of Banks will be very visible, located on 10 1,200-square-foot panels covering the ballpark’s entire bleacher section. In addition, his sons Joey and Jerry will be honored with throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, as well as singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh-inning stretch.

Ernie Banks may have passed away, but the legacy he built in Chicago will always live on. Give credit to the Cubs organization for paying proper tribute for the man fondly remembered as Mr. Cub.

For everything he did for his team and his city, it is only fitting.

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