Friday, December 3, 2010

Remembering Ron Santo

The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination.
--Tommy Lasorda (b.1927) Former Major League baseball pitcher and manager

I was saddened to hear of the death of Ron Santo, who played third base for the Chicago Cubs from 1960-74.  After what many regard as a Hall of Fame career with the Cubs (including nine All Star Games), he eventually moved on to broadcasting, calling the Cubs games with the same enthusiasm on radio as he showed on the field. Throughout his life and career, Santo struggled with diabetes, a condition he somehow managed to keep hidden from his teammates for most of his playing career. Later in life he would lose both legs to the disease.  Throughout his ordeal, he never lost his passion for life or his love of baseball--his positive attitude, courage and determination inspired others with diabetes or other difficult conditions to never give up and to smile at life regardless of its struggles and sorrows. He was a hero to many both in and out of baseball -- and an inspiration to all of us whose lives he touched.

The above photo of me was taken by my dad at Wrigley Field in 1978.

Ron's son, Jeff, wrote and produced an inspiring video documentary of his dad entitled "This Old Cub" -- the trailer is below. Other web tributes to Santo are linked here and here.

2 comments:

  1. Mark,

    What a great photo. I knew I liked you for a reason, now I know what it is. Great story about Ron too. Sad to hear of his passing. His personality will be missed by all Cub Fans.

    Tim

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great article Mark. It's stories like this that perpetuate my love of baseball.

    ReplyDelete

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