Farewell to a Cubs legend
Yesterday, the news broke of the passing of the legendary third baseman for the Chicago Cubs, Ron Santo. The story and account of his life completely took over WGN Radio, and was headline news on radio and news stations across the country. There is little that I can say, that has not already been said by all the mourners that voiced their opinions on him yesterday, but I would not be doing myself, or all my blog followers a service if I sat idly by and kept quite.
To many Cub fans, Santo was a hero ( a term I rarely use for sports athletes), because of his life long battle with diabetes. He has become an inspiration to so many children who have been diagnosed with the disease, and never missed an opportunity to reach out to these children when he was notified of their cases. He truly was a class act, who was one of a kind. Because of his dedication to the Juvenile Diabetes Relief Foundation, they have moved light years closer to discovering a cure, even though the are still seemingly millions of miles away from doing so. I know that seems to be insignificant due to how far they have yet to go, but just imagine where they would be without the millions of dollars they have received do to his support?
To many more Cubs fans though, whether you knew him or not, he was looked upon as a family member, and was probably as close to a family member a complete stranger could ever be. How could he not be? Spending countless hours listening (and in some cases interacting) with someone every year for two decades tends to build a bond between you. He was a part of our summer family, and will be sorely missed.
As talented as his partner Pat Hughes is, listening to the radio for ball games will never be the same. As “unprofessional” as some people called his work behind the microphone was, many Cub fans loved him for that very “unprofessional” work. He was the fans voice in the booth, reacting just as we did in the stands, or in our homes and cars. He spoke our minds, and truly was the biggest Cub fan there ever was or will be.
No one will ever forget a night in late September back in 1998, when Brandy Brown dropped what was an easy out to end the game and lock up the Cubs wildcard birth that year., which ironically was on the 90th anniversary of the famous “Bonehead Murkle” play. Santo’s cries of “Oh Nooo” still ring in my ears to this very day.
I will never forget my first meeting with Santo, which sadly was the only time I got to meet him. My very first Cubs Convention was back in January of 2007, and have gone every year since with my mother (her birthday and Christmas gift). There we were exiting our room to head down for the activities of the day, and who do we see walking down the hall? Good old number 10, he was staying on the same floor as us. Even though he was with company, he stopped and talked to us after we waved to him. He even signed autographs for us. Throughout the weekend we saw him a few more times, and he always had a friendly wave for us.
Fast forward to 2003, I was there for his jersey retirement. That is a day that I will never forget, and can recall some of the key moments from that ceremony. I remember that the day was overcast, clouds were completely blocking out the sun. However, when Santo was introduced, almost miraculously the sun broke through the clouds. Was that a coincidence? Most likely, but still an amazing sight to see. When he said the retiring of his jersey meant more to him than the Hall of Fame, I believe him. He was a Cub through and through.
All due respect to Ernie Banks, Ron Santo was the true Mr. Cub. No one ever did more for the Cubs, than he did. Banks may have been the better player, but Santo gave the Cubs everything he had day in and day out until the day of his death. His presence shall be missed.
Rest in Peace Ronny, we love you.
World Series Dreaming 