Fans provide emotional farewell at Ron Santo’s memorial
A man, who always loved the Chicago Cubs, and, was once a member of their squad, was given a heartfelt farewell recently. Ron Santo was a Cubs fanatic. He played for the ball club once and publicly appreciated the side when he was part of the Chicago White Sox roster.
The former player turned broadcaster was battling diabetes when he expired last week. Fans turned up recently from different parts of Chicago to show their love and support for the star, who always wanted to be known as Mr. Cubs.
Fans made their way to the Holy Name Cathedral in downtown Chicago to be part of the public memorial service. There was no definite number of supporters, who made it at the site, but it is believed that thousands of people had come to bid their legend farewell.
Santo was a loved figure in the city. He lived in Arizona but never stopped loving Chicago. His death came on Monday and many suspected diabetes. However, it was later confirmed that bladder cancer was also a cause for the player’s expiry.
The top player never told his team during his playing days, that he suffered from diabetes. His love of the game eventually cost him two legs as he crashed out of the game.
A nearby pub served $2 Old Styles. The place that was close to the cathedral had filled up with traveling fans and the bartender spoke of the day Ron died. He said a lot people came in wearing his number 10 jersey.
"What I think about Ron, it's about a guy I worshiped and idolized", said former Cubs pitcher Scott Sanderson. "His legacy in the city has little to do with what he did on the field and everything to do with the man he was after his playing days. I can only hope that I have that kind of impact with my life”, Sanderson added.
“I wouldn't have missed this", Cubs fan, Chip Marshall said. "I loved Ron Santo. He was just a tremendous human being. I think the younger generation knows him as a broadcaster. I'm 54, I saw him play. He was a tremendous ballplayer. It's a shame that he's not in the Hall of Fame".
The Chicago Cubs have surely lost an icon. Many fans know that Ron Santo will always look on upon his supporters and his team with a sparkling smile.
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