Cubs Lost an Icon and Really Nice Man

The news came down on Friday morning that long time Chicago Cub great third baseman and broadcaster Ron Santo had died in an Arizona hospital.  He was 70 years old.  Certainly Ron had a great life as a ballplayer who many feel has been wrongly slighted by Hall of Fame voters, but also was the most exhuberant radio analyst in baseball.

But while on the surface it might have looked like a great life it was not untroubled.  Ron had battled diabetes since his teen years.  In fact he hid that fact until he had been safely established as a major league regular.  Making sure he did whatever he could to control the disease while playing the game he became the premier third baseman in the National League for a number of years. 

After his career his medical problems increased.  Ultimately he lost both legs to diabetes while battling the disease.  He had undergone more than twelve operations on his legs over the years.  He had also had eye surgery, bladder surgery and ultimately died of complications from bladder cancer.

While Santo was greatly disappointed in not receving a phone call from the Hall of Fame his number 10 was retired by the Cubs and hangs from the left field flag pole under that of former long time teammate Ernie Banks #14.

I knew Ron as a broadcaster and whenever we saw he other he always was upbeat and ready to talk about the game he lived his life for.   Early in 2010 I was walking in San Diego and wandered through the Italian section where I saw a banner of Santo in his Cubs uniform.  He and other great ballplayers of Italian heritage were honored.  I snapped a picture of it was going to get to to Santo when we next saw the Cubs. 

Unfortunately I never saw Ron again.  He was not working the next series in Chicago and when the Astros came into Houston for their last visit he was not on the trip. 

Often criticized by non Cub fans for his rooting style in the booth when his excitement for a great Cub moment often resulted in his almost overwhelming play by play man Pat Hughes, Santo was unique.

He also will be missed by many.