One of my favorite charity events in Chicago was the Ron Santo walk for diabetes, which I participated in. Santo, who suffered from the diseases was pronounced dead today at the age 70. Named one of the greatest Cubs ever, Santo because an advocate fighting diabetes in the Chicago area later in his life as he also announced Cubs games on WGN. He will be missed by Cubs fans everywhere. Rest in Peace Ron.
``Ron was an inspiration to everyone as his life was defined by overcoming obstacles. It is a sad day for all of Chicago and everyone in the sports world,'' said Chicago Blackhawks president John McDonough, who spent 24 years in the Cubs organization as a marketing guru and later as president. ``His incredible passion for the Cubs was unmatched. ...Although we collectively are grieving over his passing, we should also celebrate his incredible life.''
A nine-time all-star in his 15-year career, Santo hit .277 with 2,254 hits, 342 home runs and 1,331 runs batted in. He also won the Gold Glove award five times.
Santo was widely regarded as one of the best players never to gain induction into the Hall of Fame. The quiet sadness with which he met the news year after year that he hadn't been inducted helped cement his relationship with the fans.
``What a great loss for the Cubs and Cubs fan everywhere. Ron was such a wonderful person and friend. It is so unfortunate that he never became a Hall of Famer, as he should have long ago,'' Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman said.
