Cubs to honor Ernie Banks with statue at Wrigley Field

[jersey cubs fan]

One need only look to the foul pole to remember Mr. Banks. If you feel a giant bronze statue is needed to remember the players place in the franchise lore, then the player doesnt deserve the reverence.

 

I've had the distinct pleasure of meeting Ernie Banks in person and talking to him about our beloved Chicago Cubs. It would be easy--REAL easy--for players such as himself to wash his hands of this entire organization given it's track record of winning championships (or lack thereof). When baseball fans think about former Cubs, his is likely one of the first names to come to mind. Would you want to be that guy who's forever tied to 98 years of futility? Yet his optimism is so incredibly contagious it's almost unbelievable.

 

He hit 512 home runs during an era when pitchers ruled the game. He was an all-star at two positions. He was the first, genuine power-hitting shortstop the game had seen.

 

If there's anyone more deserving of a statue at any ballpark anywhere, please tell us who.

 

Congratulations, Mr. Banks!

 

Well said! I realize that most of the posters to sites like this are way too young to remember Ernie and appreciate the kind of player he was. When you've been raised on steroid-enhanced players averaging 45 HRs a year while forgetting about the fans and team loyalty, you just don't get the appeal of Ernie Banks. As you can see by my user name, I've been a fan of the Cubs for 53 years and Ernie was my favorite.

 

I don't think it has anything to do with age. You can be young and appreciate Banks. And you can appreciate Banks without seeing the need for a statue of him, or seeing how this is anything great.

 

I'd much rather they work on improving present personel than honoring past personel.

[Garwilly]

One need only look to the foul pole to remember Mr. Banks. If you feel a giant bronze statue is needed to remember the players place in the franchise lore, then the player doesnt deserve the reverence.

 

I've had the distinct pleasure of meeting Ernie Banks in person and talking to him about our beloved Chicago Cubs. It would be easy--REAL easy--for players such as himself to wash his hands of this entire organization given it's track record of winning championships (or lack thereof). When baseball fans think about former Cubs, his is likely one of the first names to come to mind. Would you want to be that guy who's forever tied to 98 years of futility? Yet his optimism is so incredibly contagious it's almost unbelievable.

 

He hit 512 home runs during an era when pitchers ruled the game. He was an all-star at two positions. He was the first, genuine power-hitting shortstop the game had seen.

 

If there's anyone more deserving of a statue at any ballpark anywhere, please tell us who.

 

Congratulations, Mr. Banks!

 

Well said! I realize that most of the posters to sites like this are way too young to remember Ernie and appreciate the kind of player he was. When you've been raised on steroid-enhanced players averaging 45 HRs a year while forgetting about the fans and team loyalty, you just don't get the appeal of Ernie Banks. As you can see by my user name, I've been a fan of the Cubs for 53 years and Ernie was my favorite.

 

I don't think it has anything to do with age. You can be young and appreciate Banks. And you can appreciate Banks without seeing the need for a statue of him, or seeing how this is anything great.

 

I'd much rather they work on improving present personel than honoring past personel.

 

I'm fairly sure Piniella and Hendry aren't the ones in charge of this project.

[Soriano12]

One need only look to the foul pole to remember Mr. Banks. If you feel a giant bronze statue is needed to remember the players place in the franchise lore, then the player doesnt deserve the reverence.

 

I've had the distinct pleasure of meeting Ernie Banks in person and talking to him about our beloved Chicago Cubs. It would be easy--REAL easy--for players such as himself to wash his hands of this entire organization given it's track record of winning championships (or lack thereof). When baseball fans think about former Cubs, his is likely one of the first names to come to mind. Would you want to be that guy who's forever tied to 98 years of futility? Yet his optimism is so incredibly contagious it's almost unbelievable.

 

He hit 512 home runs during an era when pitchers ruled the game. He was an all-star at two positions. He was the first, genuine power-hitting shortstop the game had seen.

 

If there's anyone more deserving of a statue at any ballpark anywhere, please tell us who.

 

Congratulations, Mr. Banks!

 

Well said! I realize that most of the posters to sites like this are way too young to remember Ernie and appreciate the kind of player he was. When you've been raised on steroid-enhanced players averaging 45 HRs a year while forgetting about the fans and team loyalty, you just don't get the appeal of Ernie Banks. As you can see by my user name, I've been a fan of the Cubs for 53 years and Ernie was my favorite.

 

I don't think it has anything to do with age. You can be young and appreciate Banks. And you can appreciate Banks without seeing the need for a statue of him, or seeing how this is anything great.

 

I'd much rather they work on improving present personel than honoring past personel.

 

I'm fairly sure Piniella and Hendry aren't the ones in charge of this project.

 

Yep. They are focused on the task at hand. Detroying the present, and future.

[Dr. Cub]

One need only look to the foul pole to remember Mr. Banks. If you feel a giant bronze statue is needed to remember the players place in the franchise lore, then the player doesnt deserve the reverence.

 

I've had the distinct pleasure of meeting Ernie Banks in person and talking to him about our beloved Chicago Cubs. It would be easy--REAL easy--for players such as himself to wash his hands of this entire organization given it's track record of winning championships (or lack thereof). When baseball fans think about former Cubs, his is likely one of the first names to come to mind. Would you want to be that guy who's forever tied to 98 years of futility? Yet his optimism is so incredibly contagious it's almost unbelievable.

 

He hit 512 home runs during an era when pitchers ruled the game. He was an all-star at two positions. He was the first, genuine power-hitting shortstop the game had seen.

 

If there's anyone more deserving of a statue at any ballpark anywhere, please tell us who.

 

Congratulations, Mr. Banks!

 

Well said! I realize that most of the posters to sites like this are way too young to remember Ernie and appreciate the kind of player he was. When you've been raised on steroid-enhanced players averaging 45 HRs a year while forgetting about the fans and team loyalty, you just don't get the appeal of Ernie Banks. As you can see by my user name, I've been a fan of the Cubs for 53 years and Ernie was my favorite.

 

I don't think it has anything to do with age. You can be young and appreciate Banks. And you can appreciate Banks without seeing the need for a statue of him, or seeing how this is anything great.

 

I'd much rather they work on improving present personel than honoring past personel.

 

Well, I can get a good look at a butchers ass by sticking my head up the cow....no wait. I can get a good look at T-bone by sticking the butcher up it's...no wait. Aw crap, nevermind.

[seanimal]

Hmm, don't get me wrong, I'm all for honoring Ernie Banks as the next guy, but uh, to make a statue of someone who's still alive seems kind of... odd.

 

Like the Michael Jordan statue?

 

Hmm, I think there is a distinct difference between Banks and Jordan that begs exception. That being that one of those individuals was the single finest player in the history of his sport, the other being one that put up decent numbers that have since been surpassed by an even better player.

 

 

 

So. You said it would be weird if they built a statute of him while alive. Jordan is just one of many examples of statues built for live people.

 

Which I said 'begs exception', which means, he's different. Ernie Banks deserves to be honored, I just think it's weird to immortalize someone who hasn't yet fulfilled the expectations of mortality, Jordan or not. But I think the case for Jordan is a lot stronger than Ernie Banks. Just my opinion.

[Fred Hornkohl]

 

I'd much rather they work on improving present personel than honoring past personel.

 

Holy fallacy of bifurcation, Batman !! The two are not mutually exclusive !!!

[jersey cubs fan]

 

I'd much rather they work on improving present personel than honoring past personel.

 

Holy fallacy of bifurcation, Batman !! The two are not mutually exclusive !!!

 

I'm not saying they are. Although this organizations efforts in the present and emphasis on the past has always left a sour taste in my mouth. I'm not anti-statue myself. I can, however, understand why somebody could be. I think it's a rather pointless endeavor that should not be qualified as an accomplishment of McDonough, or anything truly important.

[apete6]

I'm fine with all of this. Why not recognize the greatest players in your team's history? Anyone who is in the hall of fame and those that should be (Santo) should get the recognition. They should put the Ernie statue on Waveland, along with statues of Santo and Williams. They need to put a statue of Fergie near the corner of Waveland & Sheffield. They need to put statues of Sosa and Sandberg along Sheffield and leave room for a future statue (hopefully DLEE can hit .350 for the next 10 years and fill that void).

 

They need to retire #21 (after he retires) and put it on the Right Field Flagpole, retire #31 for Fergie (not Maddux) and put it on the Left Field Flagpole and then we're set with celebrating the 6 best Cubs of the "modern" era with statues and jersey retirements.

 

Unfortunately, there's no one else on the horizon to have anything built or retired for them and I have a bad feeling that everyone's favorite $136 million dollar man will not even be in the discussion when his career is over.

[OleMissCub]

http://www.picpop.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10446/applause.gif

[USSoccer]

I'm fine with all of this. Why not recognize the greatest players in your team's history? Anyone who is in the hall of fame and those that should be (Santo) should get the recognition. They should put the Ernie statue on Waveland, along with statues of Santo and Williams. They need to put a statue of Fergie near the corner of Waveland & Sheffield. They need to put statues of Sosa and Sandberg along Sheffield and leave room for a future statue (hopefully DLEE can hit .350 for the next 10 years and fill that void).

 

They need to retire #21 (after he retires) and put it on the Right Field Flagpole, retire #31 for Fergie (not Maddux) and put it on the Left Field Flagpole and then we're set with celebrating the 6 best Cubs of the "modern" era with statues and jersey retirements.

 

Unfortunately, there's no one else on the horizon to have anything built or retired for them and I have a bad feeling that everyone's favorite $136 million dollar man will not even be in the discussion when his career is over.

 

If Aramis continues to perform like he has over the length of his contract, he'll be just as deserving as Santo is now.

[jersey cubs fan]

If Aramis continues to perform like he has over the length of his contract, he'll be just as deserving as Santo is now.

 

Plus a stationary object like a statue would offer a fitting tribute to him since he's such a lazy bum who doesn't move.

[CubColtPacer]

I'm fine with all of this. Why not recognize the greatest players in your team's history? Anyone who is in the hall of fame and those that should be (Santo) should get the recognition. They should put the Ernie statue on Waveland, along with statues of Santo and Williams. They need to put a statue of Fergie near the corner of Waveland & Sheffield. They need to put statues of Sosa and Sandberg along Sheffield and leave room for a future statue (hopefully DLEE can hit .350 for the next 10 years and fill that void).

 

They need to retire #21 (after he retires) and put it on the Right Field Flagpole, retire #31 for Fergie (not Maddux) and put it on the Left Field Flagpole and then we're set with celebrating the 6 best Cubs of the "modern" era with statues and jersey retirements.

 

Unfortunately, there's no one else on the horizon to have anything built or retired for them and I have a bad feeling that everyone's favorite $136 million dollar man will not even be in the discussion when his career is over.

 

If Aramis continues to perform like he has over the length of his contract, he'll be just as deserving as Santo is now.

 

I think it would take a little longer than Aramis's current contract to be just as deserving as Santo. Here are Santo's best 10 OPS+ years:

 

Santo: 164, 161, 153, 146, 138, 131, 129, 126, 121, 115

 

Here is Aramis's 5 best:

 

Aramis: 138, 137, 136, 126, 125 (only one other year above 100)

 

If Aramis has a 130 OPS+ for the next 5 years, he'll be getting somewhat close to Santo-but those 3 great years of Santo's are still going to give Santo the edge. If Aramis plays about 8 years more and has 5 years 130 or more and the other 3 110 or more though, I think he could catch Santo.

[David]

If Aramis continues to perform like he has over the length of his contract, he'll be just as deserving as Santo is now.

 

Plus a stationary object like a statue would offer a fitting tribute to him since he's such a lazy bum who doesn't move.

 

IB some newb doesn't get it...

[USSoccer]

I'm fine with all of this. Why not recognize the greatest players in your team's history? Anyone who is in the hall of fame and those that should be (Santo) should get the recognition. They should put the Ernie statue on Waveland, along with statues of Santo and Williams. They need to put a statue of Fergie near the corner of Waveland & Sheffield. They need to put statues of Sosa and Sandberg along Sheffield and leave room for a future statue (hopefully DLEE can hit .350 for the next 10 years and fill that void).

 

They need to retire #21 (after he retires) and put it on the Right Field Flagpole, retire #31 for Fergie (not Maddux) and put it on the Left Field Flagpole and then we're set with celebrating the 6 best Cubs of the "modern" era with statues and jersey retirements.

 

Unfortunately, there's no one else on the horizon to have anything built or retired for them and I have a bad feeling that everyone's favorite $136 million dollar man will not even be in the discussion when his career is over.

 

If Aramis continues to perform like he has over the length of his contract, he'll be just as deserving as Santo is now.

 

I think it would take a little longer than Aramis's current contract to be just as deserving as Santo. Here are Santo's best 10 OPS+ years:

 

Santo: 164, 161, 153, 146, 138, 131, 129, 126, 121, 115

 

Here is Aramis's 5 best:

 

Aramis: 138, 137, 136, 126, 125 (only one other year above 100)

 

If Aramis has a 130 OPS+ for the next 5 years, he'll be getting somewhat close to Santo-but those 3 great years of Santo's are still going to give Santo the edge. If Aramis plays about 8 years more and has 5 years 130 or more and the other 3 110 or more though, I think he could catch Santo.

 

Aramis is still young enough to play 8 more years, and I have a feeling he's going to maintain a consistent level of performance.

 

Plus a stationary object like a statue would offer a fitting tribute to him since he's such a lazy bum who doesn't move.

 

 

That's awesome, Mr. Rozner :D

[Ding Dong Johnson]

If Aramis continues to perform like he has over the length of his contract, he'll be just as deserving as Santo is now.

 

Plus a stationary object like a statue would offer a fitting tribute to him since he's such a lazy bum who doesn't move.

 

remember that game in NY when he fell down and the ball accidentally landed in his glove and he was all like "HOT POTATO" and turned around and threw it at Ward and got that Reyes guy out?

[USSoccer]

One thing is for certain: If the Cubs build a Greg Maddux statue it had better have Barry Rozner cast alongside it, bowing down or talking to the Maddux statue on the phone or something. Edited May 22, 2007 by USSoccer

[Soriano12]

One thing is for certain: If the Cubs build a Greg Maddux statue it had better have Barry Rozner cast alongside it, bowing down or talking to the Maddux status on the phone or something.

 

Or suc.....ahh..I better not.

[Mizzou]

Are people seriously complaining about this? Seriously? God, some people just complain about everything.

[TruffleShuffle]

in philly we had a statue of a roided-up actor near our stadiums.... if we can do that, i'm sure the cubs can put an ernie banks statue up

[seanimal]

If Aramis continues to perform like he has over the length of his contract, he'll be just as deserving as Santo is now.

 

Plus a stationary object like a statue would offer a fitting tribute to him since he's such a lazy bum who doesn't move.

 

remember that game in NY when he fell down and the ball accidentally landed in his glove and he was all like "HOT POTATO" and turned around and threw it at Ward and got that Reyes guy out?

 

Actually he was napping with his head on 3rd base.

[seanimal]

Are people seriously complaining about this? Seriously? God, some people just complain about everything.

 

:lol:

[TruffleShuffle]

Are people seriously complaining about this? Seriously? God, some people just complain about everything.

 

are you talking AGAIN? jeez, this mizzou guy doesn't shut up.

 

:wink:

[Monco]

Why don't they make a 100 statue to celebrate the milestone next year?

[SouthSideRyan]

Why don't they make a 100 statue to celebrate the milestone next year?

 

Cause that would be stupid?

[RedIvyCub]

Gotta give credit to McDonugh. He is getting alot of things done.

 

We probably would have never seen this on McPhails watch.

 

Don't give the current president credit for this. This has been on the drawing board for years and was supposed to go with the triangle building that was shelved. It was decided this was a good time.

 

What is the bug up your butt with MacPhail?