A Really Fine Tribute to Ron Santo

From the December 5th Chicago Tribune "Santo gave city his heart; Chicago returned the favor" by John Kass.

before I start, John Kass is probably one of the biggest White Sox fans who has ever lived. He really doesn't like the Cubs, either. I also am a big Sox fan, but I will pull for the Cubs when they're not playing the Sox.

But, both of us agree that the late Ron Santo was something else.

"In Chicago, Ron Santo is a name that is all about heart. He wasn't the prettiest baseball player at third base, or the smoothest broadcaster. He wasn't tricky or slick. Sometimes he'd groan in the booth, or cheer...."

"He'd stand at the plate in the days before batting gloves, stooping to pick up a handful or two of dirt. He'd rub his hands with it, rubbing them past the wrists to dry them of sweat. Then he'd pick up his bat and stare into the cold eyes of pitchers with names like Gibson, Ryan, Koufax and Drysdale."

"The fact that Santo isn't in the Hall of Fame--after a career of five consecutive Gold Gloves, nine All-Star appearances and 342 home runs--is an indictment of baseball."

John Kass is sure Santo will get into the Hall now. But he always said he hoped he wouldn't get in because he died. If he didn't get in while he was alive, he sure didn't want to get in out of pity.

I kind of agree with him, but if he does get in, I can live with that as well. Future visitors will get to see what baseball is all about (not your Miltons and Mannys).

If Ernie Banks is Mr. Cub, then Ron Santo is the heart of the Cubs.

And remind me to tell you my Ron Santo story.

We Sure Lost a Great One. --RoadDog