Ron Santo, Thank You For The Memories

As a kid I spent my summers in "Wrigleyville."  My uncle would take me to just about every Cubs home game he could get me to. 

I am 28 now, and I still bleed Cubs blue: win or lose.  That was Ron Santo.  Not only was he a great player, but he was a fan...just like one of us.

I remember when I was growing up, my uncle introduced me to Ron for the first time when I was 6. His face lit up as if he was seeing his own kid or grandkid.

That's the way he was. I met him on numerous occasions and on all of them he was the kindest man you'd ever meet.

Even though he had the health problems he was always full of energy with the fans. You would always feel welcome around him.

The Chicago Cubs and the fans always brought the best out of Ron. I don't think there was a bad side to him.

He would cheer the great moments and lament the bad. He'd laugh and cheer with us and cry in the bad times with us.

Thinking about those times I met him brings tears to my eyes now. I'll never forget the warmth that he showed to everyone who met him.

Whenever I'd listen to the games, I'd always feel like I was in the bleachers again, and he'd be the fan sitting next to me on the edge of his seat. That's how listening to him felt.

Ron was one of us, he will always be one of us.

The memories of Ron will never go away.  I will remember him until the day I die.  He was a Cub, a great man, and all Cubs fans could call him a great friend.

Ron will be sorely missed not only by Cubs fans but, by all fans. The Hall of Fame isn't good enough for him.

He will always live in the Hall of Fame of the hearts of Cubs' fans. God bless you Ron, we will forever be in your debt. 

Thank You for everything you did for the Cubs family.