Nothing Like A Summer Around Here-- Part 3: Two Bars, Two Bands, Ron Santo and Summer's Officially Here

JULY 14, SATURDAY

I went to Ray Chevrolet/Dodge in Fox Lake, Illinois, for their sixth annual BBQ fundraiser for the USO, that organization which does such a great job for the troops.  This took place outside the two dealerships under a huge tent.  The American Legion Post 703 honor guard started the proceedings with the local Cub Scouts and then the Fox Lake mayor and the bossman, Ray Scarpelli, said a few words.  A deejay was playing oldies and there was free burgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs, chips and soda.  They just asked for donations.  Ray said they had raised $600,000 so far.

I had been reading a book about Ron Santo of the Chicago Cubs awhile back and had seen the name Ray Scarpelli.  Ray said that his father had been best friends with Ron Santo.

Later, Liz and I went to Choppers in Antioch off Il-173 and Channel Lake and were entertained by a guy on guitar while sitting out on the deck.  We then went to Captain's Quarters off Grasslake Road on Fox Lake and saw the band Pirate Radio at the outside bar.   We always consider summer officially started when we see a band at Captain's.

Something About Outside Activities This Time of the Year.  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S A REDNECK COMPUTER WHEN:  The screen saver is a picture of Ned Beatty with "Dueling Banjos" playing in the background.

Somewhere Ron, Ernie, Jack, Harry and Steve Are Smilin'

Here's to you Ron Santo, Ernie Banks, Jack Brickhouse, Harry Caray and Steve Goodman who are somewhere and are smilin'.

Cubs WIN the WORLD SERIES!!

Gonna Be a Long Night Here.

Fireworks going up all over the neighborhood and the "W" flags coming off.  Ultimate jukebox primed for some fun.  Margaritaville at Key North in business.

Cub Fan for Tonight!!  "Go Cubs Go."  --RoadDog

Thanks for the Memories, Ernie!! Mr. Cub

The whole city and area are in sorrow today as we lost a great one yesterday.  Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks, that great of great Chicago Cub, died.

He played for the Cubs from the 50s through the 60s and into the early 70s.  Then spent the rest of his life in Chicago as a Cubs ambassador.  By all accounts he was very approachable, always willing to talk and sign autographs, a real stand-up guy and role model.

I have one Cubs hat (as opposed to about 25 White Sox ones (shows where my allegiance lies.  It is a nice hat which, when I bought it, I said I would wear when the Cubs get to the World series.  I have since changed it to playoffs.  I also wore it when another Cub favorite of mine, Ron Santo, died.

I will be wearing that Cub hat today and for the next week in honor of "Let's Play Two."

"The Cubs Will Shine in Sixty-Nine" and Sure Shone Well for All Those Great Years.   Thanks, Mr. Banks.  --RoadDog

Cub Season Opener Today, But, I Am A Sox Fan

In a little while, I will be adjouring to Margaritaville to watch the Cubs play their season opener at Wrigley Field, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Sure glad I'm not there as the weather is horrible. Temps are in the low 40s, with lots of wind and a cold that goes to your bones.

Now, I am more of a White Sox fan, but always tell folks I root for the Cubs... unless they play the Sox. People say you can't be both a Cub and Sox fan, but I am.

I looked at the Cubs roster and am sad to say that I only recognize seven names.

I do have a Cubs hat, but won't wear it until they get to the World Series, well, now I'll settle for playoffs. I did wear it back a few years ago after my all-time favorite Cub player, Ron Santo, died. He once gave me a ride home from Fremd High School in Palatine and even came in for a cup of coffee with my parents. Was I ever in the ozone that day.

Like I Said, Both a Cub and a Sox Fan. --RoadDog

Congratulations to Ron Santo

It is about time he got into the Hall of Fame.  Should have been in many years ago.

Unfortunately, he had to die before the voters realized it.

Definitely one of the two Mr. Cubs in my book.

Why, I even wore my Cubs hat for the first time when he died and will have to wear it again in honor of his acceptance at long last.

And, I Don't Take Wearing a Cubs Hat Lightly.  I Had Said I'd never Wear It Until They Finally Get Into the World Series.  --RoadDog

Congrats to Ron Santo

Yesterday was great news for the family and fans of former Chicago Cub third baseman Ron Santo who FINALLY got his much deserved spot at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

Too bad they couldn't have done it while he was still alive as he died just over a year ago.

A player with stats like his should have gone in soon after retirement. And then, he was a Cubs announcer for twenty years.

Talk about a man who bled Cub blue. And I am a White Sox fan. He did play for DaSox his last year, though.

I'll never forget the time he gave a young high school kid, me, a ride home from Fremd High School in Palatine and THEN came in for coffee with my parents. What a guy!!

Way to Go No. 10!! --RoadDog

Cubs Looking for Game Analyst

Another aspect of Cub Great Ron Santo passing away, is that WGN has to find a replacement for him in the broadcast booth.

A search has begun.

The Dec. 22nd Chicago Tribune in its humorous sports Main Event section suggests perhaps George Costanza. There was one episode of Seinfeld where he and Jerry were talking about job possibilities for George.


GEORGE: "What about being a sports commentator? You know how I always make those witty comments during a game?"

JERRY: "You do make good comments."

GEORGE: "So?"

JERRY: "Well, they generally give those jobs to ex-ballplayers and people, you know,, in broadcasting."

GEORGE: (pause) "Well that's really not fair."

What Was That Christmas Celebration George's Family Celebrated? --RoadDog


SIXTIES HITS REVISED (for us aging folk)-- Tony Orlando & Dawn: "Knock Three Times on the Ceiling If You Hear Me Fall."

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

Chicago Cub Ron Santo Dies

All day Friday, WGN ran specials on Santo's life as well as had many people tell their memories of the man.

One I particularly enjoyed was told by 1960s Cub second baseman Glenn Beckert about Santo's first day in the Cub broadcast booth. It was a windy day at Wrigley and right after Santo welcomed listeners to Wrigley Field, he spilled his coffee all over his lap. The next words out of his mouth (and over the airwaves) was "Son of a B____!!" Beckert says he knew Santo was going to be a special one after that.

If Pete Rose was Charlie Hustle, then Ron Santo was Mr. Cub hustle. Then there was his jumping up and clicking his heels after a close Cub victory and always the famous "Oh n-o-o-o-!!" after a dropped ball by the Cubs in an important game.

Just because the Cubs didn't win a pennant or a World series during Santo's tenure at third is no reason for him not to be in the Hall of Fame. After all, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Fergie Jenkins are all in it. Maybe some think that three members from a losing team is already too many, but that should not be.

Time for His Rightful Place. --RoadDog

JSS: Ron Santo-- Outside Christmas Lights-- Inside Christmas Lights-- NIU Game

JSS: Just Some Stuff.


1. RON SANTO-- In honor of Ron Santo, today I am going to do something I said I'd never do until the Cubs play in a World Series...and that is wear my Cubs hat. I make it a rule not to wear Cub stuff because of their Yuppie fans, and besides I am a Sox fan (but back the Cubs unless they play the Sox).

One time, I broke down and bought the hat, but have never worn it.

However, today, I will don it in honor of Number 10.


2. OUTSIDE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS-- I put them up before I left for North Carolina, but noticed some of them didn't come on before I left. After some exploration this morning, I found the offending strand and will replace it.

Plus, I think I might have plugged too many strands into the outlet so will take care of that as well.


3. INSIDE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS-- As if I didn't have enough Christmas decorations in NC, I also have to decorate Margaritaville in the basement and set up the village under the tree. But, I enjoy do that stuff so will probably survive.


4. NIU GAME-- I put up the Huskie banner in the yard with difficulty because of the frozen ground. We plan on watching part of it at Tommy's and the rest at Margaritaville.

Just Some Stuff and Good to Be Home. --RoadDog

Thanks for these, Uncle Bo.

FUNNY SIGNS: In a gynecologist's office: "Dr. Jones, at your cervix."

Ron Santo 1940-2010

Liz came in this morning to wake me up saying that WGN TV was running a special on Ron Santo, one of my all-time favorite baseball players from one of my all-time favorite teams, the 60s Cubs.

I was sleeping in late getting over all the driving I did the last two days, just short of 1200 miles. It then occurred to me, "Uh-oh, a special on Ron Santo, that is never good, especially this time of the year." I had to ask, "Did he die?"

Yes, he did.

If there was ever a player who was the Cubs before they became Yuppified, Ron Santo was the guy. Sure, you've got your Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, Glen Beckert and others, and they were all great, but Ron Santo was my guy. He was always my favorite, especially after I got to meet him way back in 1967.

With his stats, it was always a complete shame he wasn't in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

And, I'm Not Finished Yet. --RoadDog


A Great Person.