The place to see living legends today was just outside the ticket windows at Wrigley Field. Wrigleyville was abuzz at 10AM this morning with the unveiling of the new statue of "Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks at the corner of Clark and Addison in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood.

A crowd of several hundred people joined Hall of Famers Henry "Hank" Aaron and Billy Williams, Cubbie Legend and WGN-AM Broadcast Analyst Ron Santo, White Sox Legend Minnie Minoso, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Harry Caray's widow and Wrigleyville hostess Dutchie Caray; and a bevvy of others to honor Banks and reveal the 300-lb. iconic bronze statue by sculptor Lou Cella.

The throngs cheered enthusiastically despite the pouring rain before and after the ceremony, interrupting the happy applause only to boo Gov. Blagojevich. Happily, though, it didn't overshadow Mr. Cub's day, as each dignitary stepped up to join in the fun. In between cheers of "Ernie, Ernie, Ernie!" Hall of Famer Hank Aaron stepped to the mike, calling the ever-humble Banks "The man who showed us the way to be, on and off the field," as "the greatest ambassador for baseball."

Williams echoed reverence for Mr. Cub in his remarks, saying "He (Banks) was a teammate and a friend. He inspired people here and all around the world." Williams noted Banks' series of firsts... in 1953 He was the first African American Cub. He was the first back to back National League MVP ever. He was also the first Cub to have his jersey (#14) retired. Finally, he was actually the very first African American to coach a Major League Baseball Team, when Ralph Houk was unexpectedly ejected from a game. During the ceremony this fact was revealed to thunderous cheers, along with the revelation that Banks preceded the hiring of Frank Thomas by a whole two seasons.

When Santo took the mike, in typical Ronnie style he boiled the day down to a key observation. "I came to Chicago mainly because of this man right here," said Santo. "Nobody deserves this statue more than Ernie Banks." Santo gave a stirring recollection of Banks' 512th home run. "I remember being there that day. It was Pat Jarvis pitching, a line drive to the first row."

All the comments paled by comparison to Banks' own statements, though. As he stepped to the podium, he exclaimed "this is a miracle!" He related to the crowd how he wished his father and mother, whom only made it to the 3rd and 6th grades, respectively, could have been there. "They taught me that life's greatest lesson is to be satisfied." Looking back at the statue of himself, Banks calmly remarked. "Today I am satisfied."

Banks also made a point of noting that he is the only Major Leager ever to have played in 1 city (Chicago), for one owner (Wrigley), in one park (Wrigley Field), and "under one light...God's light!..there it is!" with the light briefly peeking through the pre-event and post-event downpours.

Continuing his remarks, Banks thanked the faithful Chicago fans who have always been there for him. "I thank the good Cub fans for taking the journey with me." Banks wrapped up his comments with a key commentary about Chicago and its fans. "Somebody always has their hand out to help you," Banks added.

Cub fans, like Peoria native and part-time Wrigleyville resident Marilyn Murphy were elated to share the moment with Banks. "I think its fabulous! I really enjoyed his speech, and think he deserves it more than anyone," she said.

Murphy noted that she tries not to miss an opening day if she can help it. "Its opening day! I try to get to every opening day!" Like a true blue Cubbie fan, when asked which Cub should be immortalized next with a statue, Murphy didn't hesitate to give her opinion. "Ryno!" she exclaimed.