Ernie Banks remembered in memorial service, procession
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Family, friends and fans gathered for a memorial service and procession through the city Saturday to remember and honor Cubs legend Ernie Banks.
Saturday morning's services at Fourth Presbyterian Church included remembrances and tributes from baseball greats that not only loved Banks as a player, but as a man.
PHOTOS: Crowds gather for Ernie Banks memorial service
Banks passed away Jan. 23 from a heart attack. He was 83.
Banks' casket in front of the alter for Saturday morning's service was draped in a banner with his No. 14 jersey on it. Speakers in Saturday's program included Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts, Gov. Bruce Rauner, Mayor Emanuel, Joe Torre, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, Lou Brock and Banks' twin sons Jerry and Joey Banks.
"Ernie Banks is not Mr. Cub because we loved him, but because he loved us," Ricketts said.
"Believe me, he loved his fans and he lived for his fans," said Jerry Banks.
"Mr. Cub leaves a grateful game behind. Let's play two, my friend," said Torre, former MLB player and manager.
VIDEO: Former Cubs player Billy Williams speaks at Ernie Banks memorial service
VIDEO: Joe Torre speaks at Ernie Banks memorial service
Mourners at a public visitation Friday were greeted with a picture of a smiling Mr. Cub near his casket, which was draped with the number 14. He wore the number for 19 years while playing for the Chicago Cubs. Banks is described by many as one of the happiest baseball players.
"Ernie Banks is not Mr. Cub because we loved him, Ernie Banks is Mr. Cub because he loved us back," Ricketts said during the service Saturday.
A procession followed the service, winding through downtown and back north to Wrigley Field.
A procession following the service departed the North Side church and traveled down Michigan Avenue before arriving at Daley Plaza, passing the Ernie Banks statue, which temporarily located there.
The procession then travelled up Lake Shore Drive, before making its way through the heart of Wrigleyville. Fans gathered at Wrigley Field to honor Mr. Cub as the procession stopped in front of the famed marquee.
PHOTOS: Ernie 'Mr. Cub' Banks, 1931-2015
