Ron Santo our beloved Cub Fan has passed away at the age of 70. He will be always remembered by some as the Cubs No. 1 Fan. He went through a lot in terms of medical problems but it seemed to never interfere with his love of the Cubs as a broadcaster or player.
Ron Santo played for the Cubs for 14 seasons and his final 15th season with the White Sox. He earned 5 gold gloves and was voted to the All Star Team 9 times. He is regarded by many as the most talented player not in the Hall of Fame.
(Ron Santo should be in the Hall of Fame )
But I don’t want to remember Ron Santo that way. I want to think of him as the player I enjoyed watching as I grew up watching the Cubs. He wore his emotions on his sleeve and at times criticized for it. He loved being a Cub and he wasn’t afraid or ashamed to show it. He was so passionate about it all that it rubbed off on me. All part of the stigma of being a Cub Fan for over 50 years. He was just one of the reasons Cubs fans stay Cubs fans.
Reading and listening today from internet sources, news and TV you could tell the affection Cubs fans had for Ron Santo. And not just Cubs fans. Anyone who came in contact with him or somehow knew him.
In 2004 a documentary was made, This Old Cub. The film was produced and written by Jeff Santo,his son. If you have not seen it click on to the link. Ron is also involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and endorses the Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes in Chicago. Since 1974 the walk has raised over $50 Million. In 2002 Ron Santo was named the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Person of the Year.
