To understand exactly what Ron Santo's mark on baseball has been, you almost have to be a Cubs fan (a reason why I'm guessing NufCed has asked me to write this article). Everyone knows that Santo was a great third baseman, and most people can probably tell you that he was the long-time color guy on Cubs radio on WGN. However, neither of those things are what define Santo. Being a hall of famer isn't what Santo was about. Being a radio announcer isn't what Santo was about. So what was Ron Santo about? Well, it comes down to two things: perseverance and a love for the Cubs so deep that it was and will forever be unmatched.
Before Ron Santo can be talked about as one of the greatest third basemen to ever play, it's necessary to talk about the troubles that Santo faced as an individual. At 18 years old, Santo was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes and was given a life expectancy of 25 years. While he was able to deal with the condition for most of his career, he eventually would have to have the lower parts of both of his legs amputated. Rather than be damaged by this fact, Santo used his condition to help raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. From 1979 until his death, he helped raise $65 million for the cause. Despite being given the 25 year life expectancy, Santo lived a strong life until his death on December 2nd, 2010 at the age of 70 years old. His efforts to raise money for juvenile diabetes research served as a foundation for many research efforts to come.
While his raising money for finding a cure for juvenile diabetes will always be his greatest achievement, Santo's legacy will always be as "the greatest Cubs fan who ever lived." Nobody, and I mean *nobody*, loved the Chicago Cubs as much as Ron Santo. How much did he love them? Well, Santo became the first ever player to invoke 10 and 5 no-trade rights in the major leagues when he blocked a trade to the California Angels. His love for the Cubs poured out through his work in the broadcast booth as well. Even though most radio announcers are asked to be as fair as possible, Santo would frequently cheer for the Cubs while calling games on WGN radio. How much of a Cubs fan was he? Well, in the franchise's long list of cursed moments and unfortunate displays, Santo is the center. In 1969, during one of the most unlikely collapses of all time, a black cat walked in front of Santo as he was on deck to hit. On the day he died, Cubs fans mourned the loss of their leader.
What Santo is know most for in the baseball community is his play as a third baseman. Santo would frequently click his heels after Cubs wins that frequently came because of his efforts. Santo recorded a career .976 OPS in victories along with 211 of his 342 career home runs. Despite being a fantastic offensive third baseman who posted 62.4 WAR on offense in his career, Santo was best know for his play in the field. He was a hard-working, gritty, smooth-handed fielder who would frequently dive to knock balls down and throw on to first to get the runner. It really is too bad how overlooked Santo is as a player. He led the league in walks 4 times, on-base percentage 2 times, sacrifice flies three times, and triples once. He finished with a career OPS+ of 125 with over 1,100 career walks and a total rWAR of 70.
So really, when you think of Ron Santo and his place in baseball history, don't think first of him as a hall-of-fame third baseman. Think of him as a humanitarian and the ultimate fan of the game of baseball. You will be truly missed, Ron Santo. May your legacy be strong and may your soul rest in peace.
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