Ron Santo

Ronald Edward Santo (February 25, 1940 – December 3, 2010) was an American professional baseball player and broadcaster. He played as a third baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily for the Chicago Cubs from 1960 to 1973, and for the Chicago White Sox in 1974. Santo was a nine-time All-Star and a five-time Gold Glove Award winner. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012.

Early Life and Career

Ron Santo was born in Seattle, Washington, and grew up in a working-class family. He attended Franklin High School (Seattle), where he excelled in baseball. Santo signed with the Chicago Cubs as an amateur free agent in 1959 and made his major league debut on June 26, 1960.

Major League Career

Santo quickly established himself as one of the premier third basemen in the National League. Known for his power hitting and defensive prowess, Santo was a key player for the Cubs throughout the 1960s. He hit over 30 home runs in four different seasons and drove in over 100 runs in four seasons as well.

Chicago Cubs (1960–1973)

During his tenure with the Cubs, Santo became a fan favorite for his passionate play and leadership on the field. He was part of the Cubs' infield that included Ernie Banks and Billy Williams, forming a formidable lineup. Despite his individual success, the Cubs struggled to reach the postseason during his career.

Chicago White Sox (1974)

Santo was traded to the Chicago White Sox in 1974, where he played his final season. He retired after the 1974 season, ending a 15-year career in the major leagues.

Broadcasting Career

After retiring from playing, Santo became a beloved broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs. He provided color commentary on Cubs radio broadcasts from 1990 until his death in 2010. His enthusiastic and sometimes emotional style endeared him to Cubs fans.

Diabetes Advocacy

Santo was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 18, a fact he kept secret for much of his playing career. He became a prominent advocate for diabetes research and awareness, raising millions of dollars for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Hall of Fame Induction

Despite his impressive career statistics, Santo was not elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame during his lifetime. He was posthumously inducted in 2012 by the Veterans Committee, recognizing his contributions to the game and his perseverance in the face of adversity.

Legacy

Ron Santo is remembered as one of the greatest third basemen in baseball history and a beloved figure in Chicago sports. His number 10 was retired by the Chicago Cubs in 2003, and he remains a symbol of dedication and passion for the game.

Also see

• Chicago Cubs
• Baseball Hall of Fame
• Type 1 diabetes
• Gold Glove Award
• Major League Baseball All-Star Game