OT: RIP Ron Santo

[Robextend]

It's been a sad week in the world of baseball. First Gil McDougald....now one of the greatest 3B and broadcasters of all time.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?...s_mlb&c_id=mlb

[wrapperguy]

As a lifelong Cubs fan, this is indeed sad news. His passion for the Cubs was unmatched as was his courage through the myriad of physical problems he encountered. Not only was he a Hall of Fame worthy player but was a first ballot human being. His tireless efforts for Juvenile Diabetes are known throughout Chicagoland. Had the pleasure of meeting him off the field numerous times and was always generous with his time and to share a story or two. He will be missed in the baseball community but especially in his beloved Chicago where he is an icon. Rest in peace, Ron.

Here is a picture of Ron with my sons at a card show in 1991.

[HRBAKER]

Truly sad, met him numerous times. What a first rate human being and great ballplayer. Growing up as a Cardinal fan in the 60s/70s, Mr. Santo and Mr. Banks were the face of the enemy but truly fine ballplayers. I know he will be greatly missed by his team and his city. RIP Ron.

[MacDice]

Very sad news to wake up this morning to. Was won of the best players to come out of the state of Washington. A true legend in the Seattle area.

[dstraate]

A fantastic player and one of the better color guys on the radio. I'll always remember the Cubs botching a play and Ron yelling "Gee Whiz" in the background.

R.I.P.

[alanu]

Originally Posted by dstraate

A fantastic player and one of the better color guys on the radio. I'll always remember the Cubs botching a play and Ron yelling "Gee Whiz" in the background.

R.I.P.

Well said. He should also be commended for the money he raised for diabetes research.

[btcarfagno]

What the people at the Hall of Fame put Santo through year after year was an absolute crime. The fact that he is argueably one of the 6-7 best players at his position in the history of the game begs the question of just what exactly these people who have votes are thinking about. Santo was, without arguement, the third best third baseman in the history of the NL...and a case could be made that as an offensive and defensive player together, he may have been Eddie Mathews' equal.

His offensive numbers were hampered by playing during the pitching happy period of 1963-1968. These were his best years, during which an arguement could be made that he was the best player in the majors.

The fact that he played his career with such a tough medical condition to deal with, that he retired at age 34 instead of hang around and pad his stats for the Hall, that he was truly one of the great players of his generation...it is unfathomable that he was not elected during his lifetime. And, unfortunately, this was something that was very important to the man.

An absolute crime that he was not inducted while he was alive. If it should happen now, it will be even more of a sorry affair. A sad day indeed, for those who appreciate great baseball and a great person.

Tom C