Ernie Banks remembered on Wrigley Field marquee

The marquee outside Wrigley Field in Chicago is among the most recognizable features attached to baseball’s iconic landmark. It’s not just a sign that welcomes Cubs fans to the ballpark 81 times every season. In many ways, that marquee serves as the gateway to baseball’s past, present and future. The entrance to a small part of baseball heaven, if you will.

Rest assured, though, of all the legends who roamed the field that sits behind it, none were more beloved or respected than ‘Mr. Cub’ Ernie Banks.

On Saturday morning, that marquee, in all its historic yet simplistic glory, now pays tribute to the Cubs legend and baseball Hall of Famer, who died on Friday at age 83.

The Wrigley Field marquee pays tribute to Mr. Cub on this somber night. pic.twitter.com/OxwtXxkHt4

— MLB (@MLB) January 24, 2015

We can’t imagine a visual that could strike up more raw emotion in Chicago. Ernie Banks was a hero for multple generations of Cubs fans, not just those who had the pleasure of watching him. That ballpark was his second home. The place where he rewrote history and reignited the passion of a long-suffering fanbase. It’s just impossible to picture an opening day at Wrigley Field without him there to welcome fans or sing the seventh inning stretch.

That was just one of many touching tributes that came in late Friday evening, many of which you can read here.  

The Cubs also released a statement on Friday from chairman Tom Ricketts. 

“Words cannot express how important Ernie Banks will always be to the Chicago Cubs, the city of Chicago and Major League Baseball. He was one of the greatest players of all time. He was a pioneer in the major leagues. And more importantly, he was the warmest and most sincere person I’ve ever known. Approachable, ever optimistic and kind hearted, Ernie Banks is and always will be Mr. Cub. My family and I grieve the loss of such a great and good-hearted man, but we look forward to celebrating Ernie’s life in the days ahead.”

Some have suggested that the Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and Major League Baseball should move to bring in the new season with a doubleheader on Sunday April 5. Others have suggested holding a doubleheader on Sept, 17, to mark his major league debut in 1953. Both are terrific ideas, but we’re guessing the Cubs will have plenty of other great tributes lined up for their standard bearer of excellence both on and off the field. 

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813