Ernie Banks to be Immortalized Outside Wrigley Field

Even if Julian Tavarez doesn't know who Ernie Banks is, every Cub fan does. That's "Mr. Cub," the man whose enthusiasm for the ancient rite of Wrigley daytime doubleheaders spawned a catchphrase used the league over ("Let's play two!").

So it's only fitting that perhaps the greatest player -- or at least the most beloved -- in Cubs history is going to get the lasting recognition he deserves. By Opening Day 2008, the Cubs will have built an Ernie Banks statue outside Wrigley Field, similar to the ubiquitous Michael Jordan statue at the United Center.

The statue's location is as of yet unknown, but you'd have to think it will likely go somewhere near the Harry Caray statue currently at Wrigley, which is good, because Harry gets drunk and lonely over there. Ernie can keep him some company.

So congrats, Mr. Cub. Here's to a lasting legacy, whether that Tavarez dude realizes it or not.

Previously on the FanHouse:
Julian Tavarez: 'Who's Ernie Banks?'