Teammates, fans remember Hall of Famer Ernie Banks
CHICAGO (AP) - A memorial service is underway for legendary Chicago Cubs slugger Ernie Banks, with fans and friends paying tribute at a packed church.
Speaking to the crowd Saturday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel called Banks "a humble hero" who taught younger generations "how to play the game of life."
Also scheduled to speak at Chicago's Fourth Presbyterian Church are Hall of Famers Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins and Lou Brock. The Rev. Jesse Jackson will say a few words, as will Ernie Banks' twin sons, Jerry and Joey.
After the service, a procession will take "Mr. Cub" past his statue at Daley Plaza downtown and Wrigley Field's famed marquee at the corner of Clark and Addison on the city's North Side.
Banks died Jan. 23 of a heart attack. He was 83.
Trudie Acheatel, wearing an Ernie Banks jersey, finds a seat in the church after paying her respects to the Chicago Cubs' Hall of Famer who died after a heart attack last week, during a public visitation Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, in Chicago. "Mr. Cub" is remembered as much for his boundless enthusiasm despite playing on mostly losing teams as his 512 home runs and two MVP awards. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday on what would have been his 84th birthday. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Associated Press
Chicago Cubs fan Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers stands in the back of the church as he attends a public visitation held for Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks, who died after a heart attack last week Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, in Chicago. "Mr. Cub" is remembered as much for his boundless enthusiasm despite playing on mostly losing teams as his 512 home runs and two MVP awards. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday on what would have been his 84th birthday. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Associated Press
Trudie Acheatel, wearing an Ernie Banks jersey, finds a seat in the church after paying her respects to the Chicago Cubs' Hall of Famer who died after a heart attack last week, during a public visitation Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, in Chicago. "Mr. Cub" is remembered as much for his boundless enthusiasm despite playing on mostly losing teams as his 512 home runs and two MVP awards. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday on what would have been his 84th birthday. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Associated Press
A large photograph is diplayed behind the casket of Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks, during a public visitation held for Banks who died after a heart attack last week, Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, in Chicago. "Mr. Cub" is remembered as much for his boundless enthusiasm despite playing on mostly losing teams as his 512 home runs and two MVP awards. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday on what would have been his 84th birthday. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Associated Press
A large photograph is placed behind the casket of Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks, during a public visitation held for Banks who died after a heart attack last week, Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, in Chicago. "Mr. Cub" is remembered as much for his boundless enthusiasm despite playing on mostly losing teams as his 512 home runs and two MVP awards. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday on what would have been his 84th birthday. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Associated Press
Baseball Hall of Famer Billy Williams talks to reporters after attending a public visitation held for his teammate, Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks, who died after a heart attack last week Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, in Chicago. "Mr. Cub" is remembered as much for his boundless enthusiasm despite playing on mostly losing teams as his 512 home runs and two MVP awards. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday on what would have been his 84th birthday. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Associated Press
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