Cubs In Focus: Ron Santo

Ron Santo was a special player to all Cubs fans, actually scrap that, he was a special person. Below i have taken a brief look at his time with the Cubs

Born—February 25, 1940
Batted—Right
Threw—Right
Played For—Chicago Cubs (1960-73), Chicago White Sox (1974)

Career Stats

AVG—.277
HR—342
RBI’s—1,331
Games—2,443
AB’s—8,143
Runs—1,138
Hits—2,254

Career Highlights & Awards

9 Time All Star—(1963-66, 1968-69, 1971-73)
5 Gold Gloves—(1964-68)
1973 Lou Gehrig Memorial award

Ron Santo & The Chicago Cubs

Ron Santo made his major league debut with the Cubs in June of 1960, and played there until 1973. After his tenure with the Cubs, Ron Santo signed with the Chicago White Sox which he described as the worst year of his life. Ron Santo was the first major league baseball third basemen to hit over 300 homers and win five gold gloves. This feat was later to be matched by Hall Of Fame third basemen Mike Schmidt.

Ron Santo in 1966 was beamed in the head with the ball, after two weeks on the sideline, Santo returned with ear flaps on his helmet, after which it would be accustomed to have ear flaps on helmets.

Ron Santo & Diabetes

Ron Santo was diagnosed with Diabetes when he was just 18 but failed to reveal this information as he was afraid that he would be forced into retirement. He would often snack on candy bars to improve his mood. In 1971, he revealed that he had Diabetes on "Ron Santo Day" at Wrigley Field.

Since this time Ron Santo has worked with Diabetes, endorsing the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Santo also founded the walk to cure diabetes which has been running since 1974.

Hall Of Fame Candidacy

Ron Santo’s number 10 jersey was retired by the Cubs, being only the third player behind Ernie Banks and Billy Williams to have this honour.

Ron Santo has often been characterised as the most eligible player not to be inducted into the Hall Of Fame. He came within eight votes in 2005 and within five votes in 2007. His next year of eligibility will be 2009.

Broadcast

Ron Santo joined the broadcast booth of WGN in 1990. He is the most loved of all Cubs announcers due in large part to his excitable nature during games, the fact that he can often be heard cheering and showing anger during the games.