Ron Santo
Ron Santo
Ronald Edward Santowas an American Major League Baseballthird baseman who played for the Chicago Cubs from 1960 through 1973 and the Chicago White Sox in 1974. In 1990, Santo became a member of the Cubs broadcasting team providing commentary for Cubs games on WGN radio and remained at that position until his death in 2010. In 1999, he was selected to the Cubs All-Century Team. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionBaseball Player
Date of Birth25 February 1940
CitySeattle, WA
CountryUnited States of America
I believe very strongly - and I never brought this up as a player - but I put up, I feel, Hall of Fame numbers with diabetes. If I didn't have diabetes - nobody realizes that, when I was diagnosed at 18, even the doctors didn't know what to do about diabetes.
Every player had a roommate for out-of-town games, so I had to slip into the bathroom early each morning and secretly take my insulin injection. I feared that if the Cubs found out and I slumped badly, they would attribute it to the diabetes and send me back to the minors - or worse, release me.
Think about it -- not only is he a power hitter, but he doesn't strike out much. When he goes to the plate, in my mind, that pitcher is in trouble and that's the way he is. There's no doubt in my mind that this guy is going to put up big numbers if he stays healthy.
Early in the season, we weren't getting guys on a lot in the top of the batting order. But Derrek was taking advantage of whatever he had. We've been doing better for him in that category in recent weeks.
I've always loved this stadium, ... I'm going to miss it. I didn't like the turf, but the atmosphere was fabulous. You always felt like it was baseball here.
I've always loved this stadium. I'm going to miss it.
He's a Cub, there's no doubt about it. Not only is he a great ballplayer and a Hall of Famer, but he's a Chicago Cub.
Oh, they'll go back, absolutely. Absolutely. Hey, they didn't stop coming, and that's a big thing.
It's much more difficult to do now. The pitching is diluted and so more home runs are hit. That makes that category, at least, a lot more competitive.
I truly believe the White Sox are going to win it,
We're getting closer. I believe a 5-year-old with diabetes will live long enough to be cured.
When you walked on the field, you felt like playing baseball. The electricity, the atmosphere, and it was always good baseball. Because it was the Cardinals, you always moved to another level. I think both teams did that. And the fans are just like Cubs fans, very knowledgeable.
All 10 innings. I remember the box seats, there were people who left in the third inning. It was so hot, people were just passing out.
I was diagnosed with diabetes at age 18. I didn't know what it was, so I went to the library and looked it up.