I can't remember how many times that I have turned down the volume to the WGN broadcast and turned up the radio to listen to Pat and Ron bring the game into my living room. It wasn't Ron's analytical broadcast skills that won my heart over. It was Ron's love for the game, and love for the Chicago Cubs. I can still hear Ron wail in agony "Ohhhhh, noooooo", when Brant Brown dropped that critical ball in a critical game on September 24th 1998 with the Cubs tied with the mets for the Wildcard race.
Every season, Ron Santo would proclaim "This is the Cubs year, I really believe that." I believe without a shred of any doubt that Ron truly did believe this. Despite a century of heartbreaks, and heartaches Ron Santo never lost his boyish enthusiasm and hope for the Cubs to win the World Series.
Ron Santo never let his health issues stemming from diabetes control his life. Ron Santo battled his fight with diabetes and cancer the same way he performed as a third baseman and broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs. Like a true champion.
It's a shame that Ron Santo was never inducted into the Hall of Fame, but in the minds of Chicago Cub fans he has always been a hall of famer.
Celebrate Ron Santo's life with his throwback Chicago Cubs Baseball Jersey
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