Mr. Cub honored with statue outside Wrigley Field

Last update: March 31, 2008 - 9:54 PM

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CHICAGO - Ernie Banks couldn't believe what he saw when he yanked away the blue tarp.

"Is that me?" he kept asking. "Is that me?"

There was No. 14 in his batting stance, clutching a Louisville Slugger and wearing a grin similar to the one on the face of the real Mr. Cub during the ceremony.

The Chicago Cubs unveiled a statue outside Wrigley Field on Monday, and on a rainy Opening Day in which they would be lucky to play one, let alone two, Banks saw nothing but sunshine. And who could blame him? This was his moment, his day.

In 1982, Banks became the first Cubs player to have his number retired. This time, he became the second to be immortalized in bronze -- joining the late broadcaster Harry Caray. And besides being honored by the team, the city declared it "Ernie Banks Day."

"This is a miracle," said Banks, 77.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

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