Statue has special meaning for sculptor

From the first time Lou Cella saw Ernie Banks in person, he knew he was witnessing something special.

"It was at an old-timers game at Wrigley Field in 1977," recalled Cella, a graduate of Hersey High School and a current resident of Lindenhurst. "It was the first time Ernie had played since he retired and that day I really appreciated what Ernie meant.

"When Ernie's name was announced, I thought the roof was going to come down. It was a spiritual experience."

When Cella saw Banks again in person -- Monday just outside Wrigley Field -- the place was up for grabs again, this time over Banks and the unveiling of his bronze statue, a statue designed and sculpted by Cella at the Fine Art Studio of Rotblatt-Amrany in Highwood.

"I started sculpting this in July and the whole process -- sculpting, mold-making, casting, delivery and installation -- was right up to the last minute," said the lifelong Cubs fan.

Cella and his work -- Banks in his familiar batting stance -- were the centers of attention.

"It's unbelievable that someone that has such a specific talent can actually make a living at it," said Cella's mom, Betty. "Growing up he said, 'How can I make money?' and I said, 'Become an accountant.'

"But he had talent, and we encouraged it. I don't know how … I think a lot of prayer from his grandmothers and the like."

As for the pose that Cella and the Cubs ultimately chose to display?

"It was easy to pick," Cella said. "It was always going to be what you see now. This particular moment in time is August 29, 1959, right before Warren Spahn served up a grand slam."

From the compliments of those in attendance Monday, it seems Cella hit one out of the park as well.

"This one is something special," he said with a smile.