Cubs and White Sox legend, Ron Santo, expires at the age of 70
There are not that many baseball stars, who have dedicated their entire careers to a franchise in Major League Baseball. For Dave Niehaus the case was a special one. When the hall of famer passed away in November, the Seattle Mariners were heartbroken over
their loss. The veteran personality had become a hardcore follower of the team and worked in hours, over radio, to praise his team.
However, like the Seattle Mariners, the Chicago Cubs have recently gone through the same loss. Their hardcore fan and star third baseman during the 1960s’, Ron Santo, expired recently. The man idolized in Chicago for his devotion to the city and the two
clubs in both the American League and the National League, passed away due to various health ailments.
Ron was struggling with diabetes and the disease had done him a lot of harm during the long years of his career. He lost both of his legs to the sickness and his health did not improve in his last days. He went into a coma on Wednesday after which he passed
away quickly.
Santo had a lot of love for the Cubs and even though he spent 15 years with the Chicago White Sox, the marvel remained a Cub fan, throughout his years. He had the pleasure to play alongside Hall of Famers, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins and Ernie Banks,
during his time with the Cubs in the 60’s.
Fighting for honour in the Hall of Fame, Ron became a radio broadcaster, who wouldn’t stop praising the Cubs for 21 years. Though Banks had the honour to be called Mr. Cub, Santo wasn’t far from that title.
Ron’s dedication to the Cubs saw no parallel and he wasn’t afraid to speak up about his favourite team whenever an opportunity came knocking at his door. The veteran led an immortal career and it wasn’t easy for his supporters to find out that he had expired
due to bladder cancer. His family has come out to say that a public visitation will be held this coming Thursday, 9th December. His funeral is scheduled for the very next day.
Ernie Banks recently came out to offer his condolences to the fans. He said, "It certainly is a sad day for everyone, who knows and loves Ron Santo. Ronnie has been a friend of mine for more than 50 years and is like a brother to me. Ronnie's entire life
was dedicated to his wonderful family, the Chicago Cubs and their outstanding fans”.
He followed it up by highlighting Ron’s qualities. He went on to say, “On the field, Ronnie was one of the greatest competitors I've ever seen. Off the field, he was as generous as anyone you would want to know. His work for diabetes research seemed unparalleled.
Ronnie was always there for you, and through his struggles, he was always upbeat, positive and caring. I learned a lot about what it means to be a caring, decent human being from Ron Santo”.
Santo was a hardened veteran, worn down by diabetes but that source of weakness gave him the strength to strike down on the disease by raising awareness and assistance in the community. The Cubs man worked with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and
he earned the organization $40 million.
Commissioner Bud Selig, who heads the Major League Baseball authority, came out to share his feelings on Santo’s passing. He said, "I am truly saddened by the loss of my dear friend Ron Santo, who represented all the goodwill of baseball and the Chicago
Cubs franchise. Ron's playing and broadcasting careers shared a common thread, in both capacities, he was a staple of the Cubs' experience every single day. I enjoyed our many phone conversations and all the times when I visited him in the booth at Wrigley
Field and during Spring Training”.
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