Ron Santo was an American professional baseball player and radio broadcaster, best known for his time with the Chicago Cubs. He was born on February 25, 1940, in Seattle, Washington. Santo played as a third baseman and was a key figure in the Cubs’ lineup during the 1960s and early 1970s. He made his Major League Baseball debut in 1960 and quickly established himself as a talented player, earning All-Star honors nine times during his career.
Santo was known for his strong hitting, exceptional fielding skills, and leadership on and off the field. His career statistics include a batting average of .277, 342 home runs, and over 1,300 runs batted in. Despite his impressive achievements, Santo faced challenges, including being overlooked for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame for many years, primarily due to the biases of the voting process.
After retiring from baseball in 1974, Santo became a popular radio and television broadcaster for the Cubs, where he was beloved for his enthusiastic commentary and deep connection to the team and its fans. His passion for the Cubs and his candid style made him a cherished figure in Chicago sports.
In addition to his baseball career, Santo was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a young age, a condition he openly discussed to raise awareness about the disease. He became an advocate for diabetes research and worked tirelessly to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Ron Santo passed away on December 2, 2010, but his legacy continues to live on through his contributions to baseball and his advocacy work. In 2012, he was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, honoring his remarkable career and impact on the sport. His life story is one of talent, perseverance, and dedication to both baseball and the fight against diabetes.
The documentary, This Old Cub, is available at Santo Films.