Cubs to honor Ernie Banks during season opener

The Chicago Cubs will honor the late Ernie Banks during Sunday’s home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Chicago Cubs will honor the late Ernie Banks during Sunday’s home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, the team announced on Tuesday.

Banks, won two NL MVP Awards and earned the nickname "Mr. Cub" during his playing days, died in January. He was 83 years old.

The Cubs announced several tributes to Banks that will be held during Sunday’s game. There will be a pregame ceremony and his sons will throw out the first pitch and lead the seventh inning stretch.

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WBBM 780’s Steve Miller reports the Cubs will cover the outfield bleachers with 10 large photos of Banks. The bleachers will not be ready for the home opener because of delays in off-season renovations.

"When people walk into the ballpark on Opening Night, they will see beautiful photographic images of Ernie Banks throughout his career," Cubs spokesman Julian Green said. "Several images which we believe are just wonderful depictions of who he was."

The Cubs host the Cardinals in the first game of the MLB season on Sunday at 8:05 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 and will be the first-ever night home opener in team history.

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- Paul Palladino