Ron Santo Dead at 70

[shnsajax]

Wow. Still hard to believe that was the last we'll ever hear of him.

 

It will hit you again on April 1st.

[erik316wttn]

I just got so used to Pat signing on with "...along with Cubs legend Ron Santo, it's Pat Hughes reporting..." that it'll take me a long time to get used to not hearing it again.

[Magnetic Curses]

In addition to his battle with diabetes, becoming a double amputee and fighting bladder cancer, I learned on the telecast that both of his parents were killed in an auto accident while driving down to see him play in spring training.

According to this article it was in 1973. I remembered reading about it but couldn't remember when it was.

 

one of the last times i heard ron he was talking about how his stepfather and his mother are lucky they went together because they couldn't have lived without one another. i wasn't aware of the story.

[BCVM22]

Just in case you haven't been brought near tears enough...

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20101224/sports/712259923

[C.C.]

Just in case you haven't been brought near tears enough...

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20101224/sports/712259923

 

Very, very touching... I could barely get through it.

[erik316wttn]

A fighter right up until the end. I wouldn't have expected Ron to go out any other way.

[Old Style]

:(

[A New Era]

My first reaction was simular to Tim's post. Just wanted to post here and add my thoughts since I hadn't yet. When my Mom first told me it was shock. I mean Santo really didn't look very old, not old enough to die anyway. When I heard what it was I didn't even know he had Bladder Cancer. My first thought would have been Diabetes complications.

 

Anyway, when you listen to someone almost every single day they almost become like a friend. Ron Santo was my best Cubs friend, I loved to listen to him talk as he watched the game with me. The first thing I'd do if there were some home runs or amazing highlights would be to look up Ron's reaction if I didn't listen to WGN radio for the game that day.

 

I can't believe I'll never beable to hear Ron's emotional reactions to runs or great plays ever again. I mean I knew he had medical problems but I thought he atleast had another several years before they put him near the end. This was sudden, and I wasn't ready to let Ron go. And I am so sad I never got around to meeting Ron in person. God Dammit. I love you Ronnie, and I'm going to miss you, so much. :bye:

[d_money]

Just in case you haven't been brought near tears enough...

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20101224/sports/712259923

 

Very, very touching... I could barely get through it.

 

I'm glad the Santo's were able to share that story. Thanks.

[NCCubFan]

I just read the Jan. edition of Vineline. The entire edition (except for the first page or two) is devoted to Ron.

[wvcbxl]

Santo to get statue outside Wrigley

[BCVM22]

Jersey patch for him too this season, though I don't imagine that's a surprise to anyone.

 

EDIT: And here is the first look at that patch:

 

http://media.trb.com/media/alternatethumbnails/story/2011-01/58813739-15091623-400225.jpg

[Guest]

That patch looks great. They should take a hint from the patch with the rest of the jersey, re: pinstripes.

[javy knows my name]

That's beautiful. I approve

[erik316wttn]

That's beautiful. I approve

 

You and I don't agree on much, but I'm 100% with you on this.

[ConstableRabbit]

Santo to get statue outside Wrigley

I love Ronnie, but enough!

[Wheelimus]

Santo to get statue outside Wrigley

I love Ronnie, but enough!

 

You really think a statue is going too far? The guy gave his life to this franchise. It's the least they could do.

[ConstableRabbit]

Santo to get statue outside Wrigley

I love Ronnie, but enough!

 

You really think a statue is going too far? The guy gave his life to this franchise. It's the least they could do.

At this rate, the Cubs are going to have a shrine dedicated to 1969.

 

If you're going to surround Wrigley with statues, at least represent great players from other eras as well.

[BCVM22]

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110217/sports/702179871/

 

Terrific article by Bruce Miles about Ron's absence at camp.

 

With the media work room here at Fitch Park right next to the reception area, you knew the moment he walked in.

 

“Ronnie,” somebody would shout.

 

“Hey, big boy,” he’d shout back.

 

And then it was on.

 

...

 

He’d bound into the workroom and greet all of us. After we’d get the handshakes and hellos out of the way, I’d ask him: “Well, Ronnie, what do you think?”

 

“BUH-LIEVE me, I like this team,” he’d bellow.

 

Somehow, you always wanted to BUH-LIEVE him.

 

:(

[Wheelimus]

All I know is if opposing baserunners get spontaneous wedgies to slow them down this season we'll have further proof that there actually is a God. Because that is totally the type of prank I could see Ronnie pulling.

 

I'm not a religious man, agnostic at best, but I really hope there is an awesome afterlife because Ronnie really freaking earned it.

[erik316wttn]

There were a few times in '98 I thought that Harry was intervening on our behalf.. specifically the ball stuck under the RF padding against the White Sox. Maybe Ronnie has a few tricks up his sleeve from beyond the grave.