MAG MILE — Ernie Banks, the lovable, affable, ebullient Cubs legend who died last week of a heart attack at 83, was laid to rest Saturday on what would have been his 84th birthday.
"Move over Honus Wagner; there's a new shortstop in heaven," said Joe Banks, speaking to a crowded Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue Saturday morning.
The service was a celebration, with speaker after speaker recalling stories about Banks, many of which brought a chorus of laughter from the crowd. They remembered how Banks — a Hall of Famer who hit 512 home runs in a 19-year career — wouldn't talk about himself; he was more interested in other people.
"Ernie Banks is not Mr. Cub because we loved him," said Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts. "Ernie Banks is Mr. Cub because he loved us back. He became Mr. Cub through no more magic than just being himself."
After listing Banks' Hall of Fame statistics, Ricketts admitted that "despite these incredible statistics, never in time have numbers fallen short of describing a person."
On and off the field, he was a "model of decency," Ricketts said. "Despite fame and a high profile, he made time for everyone."
Banks' coffin was draped in a pinstripe flag bearing his Cubs' jersey number, 14. His former teammates and contemporaries told stories of Ernie the ballplayer.
"His durability and consistency made him a constant force ... in the heydays of guys like Henry Aaron, Willie Mays and Frank Robinson," said Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre.
But Torre, like others, said less about Banks as a player, and more about him as a man.
"His story doesn't revolve around baseball," Torre said, adding later, "Ernie Banks is living proof that you don't have to wear a championship ring on your finger to be a pillar of baseball and of life."
Cubs Hall of Famer Billy Williams called his former teammate and friend "a cornerstone of the Cubs and of Chicago."
"He didn't want to be a star," said Fergie Jenkins, a star pitcher for the Cubs from 1966-73 and 1982-83. "He wanted to be a teammate."
He said Banks told players on the Cubs to play for the name of the front of their jerseys, not the one on the back.
Banks was always rooting for the Cubs, Williams said. And this season, Williams said, Banks might crow, "The Cubs will win as a team in 2015."
Banks' famous joviality was more than just a catchphrase, said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
"It's a great day for a ballgame; let's play two," he said, recalling Banks' famous slogan, calling it "more than just a statement. It was an expression of faith. It defies adversity and it defines our city."
"He was a humble hero and eternal optimist," Emanuel added. "He lived in perpetual sunshine of summer."
"Happy birthday, Dad," said Jerry Banks, standing alongside his twin brother, Joe. "We've been hearing comments and stories of his interactions, and it makes his passing easier. For every tear shed, 10 stories of laughter are shared, followed by 'sounds like my dad.' He made everyone feel special.
"Some things never change. You have us standing behind you, Joe on the left and Jerry on your right, your little bodyguards," Jerry added.
Also speaking to the packed church were former Cubs and Cardinals star Lou Brock, Gov. Bruce Rauner, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Among those in attendance were former Cub players Kerry Wood and Randy Hundley, former home run king Hank Aaron, Hall of Famer Frank Robinson and Archbishop Blase Cupich.
"He always wanted to enjoy life," said Deborah Delashment, cousin of Banks' wife Liz, after the ceremony. "We are very much saddened. We wish we could have had more time with him.
The funeral was open to the public. Cubs fan and lifelong Chicagoan Bob Meza, 67, attended.
"Everyone speaking and all their stories showed you what a wonderful person he was. When I found out he passed away a few days ago, I thought the 67-year-old man is OK but the 10-year-old me, not so much. Today, the 10-year-old is here," Meza said fighting back tears. "Ernie was my childhood, my life. I know it sounds crazy, but I've been a fan since I was a kid."
A funeral procession followed the service, passing by his statue in Daley Plaza and Wrigley Field.
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