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Ernie Banks left lasting memories for teammate Williams

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)
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)

By Associated Press 2 min read

CHICAGO (AP) – After paying his respects to Ernie Banks on Friday, Billy Williams thought about all the good times they had together.

Hall of Fame players for the Chicago Cubs and friends for decades, there were plenty of recollections. Williams mentioned the “joy” and “lasting memories” his pal left.

No player on the North Side was as beloved as “Mr. Cub,” and Banks’ death last Friday sparked an outpouring of grief in the city and in the baseball world.

Banks hit 512 home runs and won two NL MVP awards. But he’s remembered as much for his boundless enthusiasm – despite playing on mostly losing teams – and his desire to connect with everyone he met.

Fans have been placing flowers outside Wrigley Field and stopping in Daley Plaza to take photos of his statue, which normally stands outside the ballpark. The city and the Cubs took the unprecedented step of taking the statue out of storage – where it been kept while the ballpark is renovated – and putting it on public display away from its usual home.