Chicago Cubs will cover Ernie Banks’ funeral costs

It’s been a little over a month since Chicago Cubs’ fans, the organization and the rest of the baseball world found out about Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks‘ passing.

Shortly after Banks’ passed away at the age of 83, a handful of former players gathered together in the city where the two-time NL MVP spent his entire major league career. Players such as Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, and Lou Brock shared great memories to those who either attended the services in person or watched live via WGN TV.

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After the services ended, Ernie’s casket made a quick trip around Chicago – stopping at the Daley Plaza for a brief moment – then made his way back to his second home in Wrigley Field.

Fans stood outside in the freezing cold with construction workers and reporters as everyone waited to pay their last respects to their lovable hero.

Now according to ESPN Chicago, the funeral home who handled the services filed a claim against his estate for a whopping $35,000 – a bill that the Chicago Cubs will go-ahead and cover themselves.

“We learned of the story through the news media, saw that the funeral home had filed a claim. We weren’t aware that the bill had not been handled. After that, we immediately called the funeral home and told them we would take care of it on Monday.” – Cubs’ spokesman Julian Green via Chicago Tribune.

On top of other expenses including legal fees – the claim filed by ‘Donnellan Family Funeral Services’ this past week were in regards to the casket cost, flowers, car services and staff fees according to the Chicago Tribune.

While Ernie’s family battles in court over his assets, it was good on the teams part to pick up the bill.

This season is definitely going to feel different without having that bright smile show up during games at Wrigley Field. The fact that he’s actually gone didn’t necessarily sink in until that No. 14 on both the players caps and center field design were revealed.

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