On the recordDecember 3, 2010
last night, Chicago and America lost a hero. Ron Santo was a Chicago Cubs legend and an inspiration to anyone who has ever faced a tough, uphill battle in life. During his 15-year career with the Cubs, Ron Santo batted .277 with 342 home runs and 1,331 RBIs. He was a nine-time All Star and a five-time National League Gold Glove winner. In each of four seasons, he batted .300, drove in 100 runs, and led the league in walks. What the public didn't know for most of his career is that he lived every day with a life-threatening illness. Ron Santo hid his diagnosis from the public for 10 years. He said he didn't want anybody to feel sorry for him. He didn't want to be held to a different standard. He wanted to be judged the same way every other ballplayer is judged--by the numbers. By that standard, Ron Santo earned his spot among the greats. Simply put, Ron was the best third baseman in Cubs history and maybe in the game.
