Ron Santo

Ronald Edward Santo (born 25 February, 1940 in Seattle, Washington) is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played almost his entire career with the Chicago Cubs. He was named a National League All-Star 9 times in his 15 seasons of play from 1960 to 1974, and won consecutive 5 Gold Glove awards for fielding excellence from 1964 to 1968.

Related Topics:
25 February - 1940 - Seattle, Washington - Third baseman - Major League Baseball - Chicago Cubs - National League - All-Star - Gold Glove

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Santo made his debut for the Cubs on 26 June, 1960. He played with the team until 1973, then finished his career with the cross-town Chicago White Sox in 1974. During his 14-season run with the Cubs, Santo hit 337 home runs; he was the first third baseman to hit over 300 home runs and win five Gold Gloves, a feat since matched by only Mike Schmidt, a hall-of-fame player with a lifetime batting average 10 points below Santo's .277, in an era noted for weaker pitching.

Related Topics:
26 June - 1960 - 1973 - Chicago White Sox - 1974 - Home run - Mike Schmidt - Batting average

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During his playing career, he carefully concealed the fact that he had Type-1 Juvenile Diabetes, knowing that if it were widely known, his career might be curtailed or ended. He was diagnosed with this disease at the age of 18, and was given a life expectancy of 25 years. Santo has had both his legs amputated below the knee as a result of his diabetes; the right in 2001 and the left in 2002. Today, he is a Cubs broadcaster on WGN radio with play-by-play announcer Pat Hughes. He has also worked with Harry Caray, Thom Brennaman, Wayne Larrivee, and Bob Brenly.

Related Topics:
Diabetes - 2001 - 2002 - WGN radio - Pat Hughes - Harry Caray - Thom Brennaman - Wayne Larrivee - Bob Brenly

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Santo has been endorsing the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's annual Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes in Chicago since 1974, and has raised over $50 million for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). In 2002, Santo was named the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's "Person of the Year."

Related Topics:
$ - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

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Santo, who wore #10 as a player, and was the third Cub player to have his number retired, following his teammates Ernie Banks (#14) and Billy Williams (#26). His number was retired on 28 September, 2003. His life and career were explored in the 2004 documentary film This Old Cub, directed by his son Jeff.

Related Topics:
Ernie Banks - Billy Williams - 28 September - This Old Cub

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In 2005 he came within eight votes of election to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veteran's Committee. Bill James, arguably baseball's most respected statistical guru, feels Santo's elevation to the hall of fame is long overdue.

Related Topics:
2005 - Baseball Hall of Fame - Bill James

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