The public memorial for Cubs legend Ernie Banks will be held on Wednesday in downtown Chicago. A statue of Banks will stand at Daley Plaza from Wednesday until Saturday.
Banksdied Friday from a heart attack at the age of 83. He was a Baseball Hall of Famer, two-time National League MVP, and the first African-American to play for the Cubs, where he spent his entire major league career.
Banks was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and spent two years playing in the Negro Leagues before joining the Chicago Cubs late in the season in 1953. He was one of the most popular Cubs players of all time, earning the title "Mr. Cub" among fans.
He spent his entire career with the Cubs, retiring in 1971. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fameon the first ballot, in 1977.
Editor's Note: Susan Stephens of WNIJ and Patrick Smith of WBEZ contributed to this story.