RIP Ron Santo

14holestogie · 12-03-2010, 09:01 AM

Not a huge baseball fan, but this guy was always a class act.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/r...d-at-70-120310

Whee · 12-03-2010, 09:12 AM

Beat me to it Tim.

Sad day for the Cubbies.

357 · 12-03-2010, 09:19 AM

I just heard about this on the radio. One of our local radio hosts is from Chicago and grew up a Cubs fan. Sad story. He had great numbers in the time he played, 9-time all star, etc. Poor guy had to retire early (at 34) and ended up losing both his legs to diabetes. It's a shame the hall didn't induct him while he was alive. I guess he missed it by 4 or 5 votes.

Stats:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/pl...antoro01.shtml

More info..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Santo

Santo was nine-time National League All-Star, and led the league in walks four times, in on base percentage twice and in triples once.[1][7] He hit for a .300 average and hit 30 home runs four times each,[5] and is the only third baseman in major league history to post eight consecutive seasons with 90 (RBI) (1963-1970).[1][7] The winner of five consecutive Gold Glove Awards for fielding excellence (1964-1968),[12] he set or tied National League records by leading the league's third basemen in total chances eight times, in games, putouts and assists seven times each, and in double plays six times;[5][7] from 1966 to 1974 he held the National League record for assists in a single season. He also set National League records for career assists (4,532), total chances (6,777) and double plays (389) at third base, all of which were eventually broken by Mike Schmidt between 1986 and 1988; his National League total of 2,102 games at third base fell 52 short of Eddie Mathews' league record, and he then ranked sixth in National League history in putouts (1,930) and ninth in fielding percentage (.954).

Santo led the league in double plays six times (1961, '64, '66–'68, '71), tying the major league record held by Heinie Groh;[7] Schmidt also later tied this record. He led the National League in total chances every season from 1961 through 1968.[7] He appeared at third base in every Cubs game from April 19, 1964 through May 31, 1966, establishing a league record with 364 consecutive games at the position;[5][7] his 164 games at third base in 1965 remain the major league record.

He was the second player at his position to hit 300 career home runs, joining Eddie Mathews, and also ended his career ranking second to Mathews among third basemen in slugging average (.464) and third in runs batted in (1,331), total bases (3,779) and walks (1,108). Santo broke Mathews' National League record of 369 career double plays at third base in 1972, and in 1973 he broke Mathews' league records of 4,284 assists and 6,606 total chances. Schmidt passed Santo's record for double plays in 1986, his record for assists in 1987, and his mark for total chances in 1988. During his 14-season run with the Cubs, Santo hit 337 home runs, then the eighth most by a National League right-handed hitter; his 1,071 career walks with the Cubs remain the team record for a right-handed hitter. He was the first third baseman to hit 300 home runs and win five Gold Gloves, a feat since matched only by Schmidt.

Santo became the first player in major league history to wear a batting helmet with protective ear flaps, when in 1966, in the midst of trying to break the Cubs' modern consecutive-game hitting streak record of 27 games (set by Hack Wilson in 1929), Santo was sidelined for nearly two weeks following a pitch thrown by the Mets' Jack Fisher (beaning) that fractured his cheekbone and ended his consecutive playing streak. When he returned (and broke the hitting record with a 28-game streak[5]) he was wearing an improvised ear flap on his batting helmet in order to protect the injury; ear flaps have since become standard equipment on batting helmets.

icehog3 · 12-03-2010, 11:44 AM

A sad day indeed. Like Mike said, he should have been alive to see his image enshrined in Cooperstown.

hotreds · 12-03-2010, 11:57 AM

It is a tragedy that he won't be alive for his election to the HOF. Likely they will do it now, because he died. Lotta good that will do him. A great man, and more proof that the HOF voters are turds, by and large.

MarkinAZ · 12-03-2010, 12:00 PM

RIP Mr. Santo...

In the late 60's while living in Wisconsin, Santo brought alot of joy to me while watching him and Cubs play ball on TV during the weekends. One great ball player

357 · 12-03-2010, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotreds

It is a tragedy that he won't be alive for his election to the HOF. Likely they will do it now, because he died. Lotta good that will do him. A great man, and more proof that the HOF voters are turds, by and large.

I agree

kelmac07 · 12-03-2010, 12:19 PM

RIP Ron Santo...baseball lost a good one today.

Whee · 12-03-2010, 12:29 PM

He got his Hall of Fame when the Cubs retired his number.

Between him and Jack Brickhouse, summers were always fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbTksNzfZ7w

RevSmoke · 12-04-2010, 08:18 AM

RIP. He was one of those who brought joy to listening to games.

12-03-2010, 09:01 AM	#1
14holestogie Serial banter killer Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tim Location: Clintonville, WI Posts: 4,341 Trading: (52)	RIP Ron Santo Not a huge baseball fan, but this guy was always a class act. http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/r...d-at-70-120310 __________________ *I loves me a Parti*

12-03-2010, 09:12 AM	#2
Whee formerly illinoishoosier Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Sean Location: Bishopville, SC Posts: 3,591 Trading: (17)	Re: RIP Ron Santo Beat me to it Tim. Sad day for the Cubbies. __________________ "Maybe I'm wrong, when they tell me they're right…..naaaaahhhhhh, I'm an asshooooooleeee"--Denis Leary

12-03-2010, 09:19 AM	#3
357 Will herf for food Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mike Location: Home is where I park it Posts: 4,075 Trading: (9)	Re: RIP Ron Santo I just heard about this on the radio. One of our local radio hosts is from Chicago and grew up a Cubs fan. Sad story. He had great numbers in the time he played, 9-time all star, etc. Poor guy had to retire early (at 34) and ended up losing both his legs to diabetes. It's a shame the hall didn't induct him while he was alive. I guess he missed it by 4 or 5 votes. Stats: http://www.baseball-reference.com/pl...antoro01.shtml More info.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Santo Santo was nine-time National League All-Star, and led the league in walks four times, in on base percentage twice and in triples once.[1][7] He hit for a .300 average and hit 30 home runs four times each,[5] and is the only third baseman in major league history to post eight consecutive seasons with 90 (RBI) (1963-1970).[1][7] The winner of five consecutive Gold Glove Awards for fielding excellence (1964-1968),[12] he set or tied National League records by leading the league's third basemen in total chances eight times, in games, putouts and assists seven times each, and in double plays six times;[5][7] from 1966 to 1974 he held the National League record for assists in a single season. He also set National League records for career assists (4,532), total chances (6,777) and double plays (389) at third base, all of which were eventually broken by Mike Schmidt between 1986 and 1988; his National League total of 2,102 games at third base fell 52 short of Eddie Mathews' league record, and he then ranked sixth in National League history in putouts (1,930) and ninth in fielding percentage (.954). Santo led the league in double plays six times (1961, '64, '66–'68, '71), tying the major league record held by Heinie Groh;[7] Schmidt also later tied this record. He led the National League in total chances every season from 1961 through 1968.[7] He appeared at third base in every Cubs game from April 19, 1964 through May 31, 1966, establishing a league record with 364 consecutive games at the position;[5][7] his 164 games at third base in 1965 remain the major league record. He was the second player at his position to hit 300 career home runs, joining Eddie Mathews, and also ended his career ranking second to Mathews among third basemen in slugging average (.464) and third in runs batted in (1,331), total bases (3,779) and walks (1,108). Santo broke Mathews' National League record of 369 career double plays at third base in 1972, and in 1973 he broke Mathews' league records of 4,284 assists and 6,606 total chances. Schmidt passed Santo's record for double plays in 1986, his record for assists in 1987, and his mark for total chances in 1988. During his 14-season run with the Cubs, Santo hit 337 home runs, then the eighth most by a National League right-handed hitter; his 1,071 career walks with the Cubs remain the team record for a right-handed hitter. He was the first third baseman to hit 300 home runs and win five Gold Gloves, a feat since matched only by Schmidt. Santo became the first player in major league history to wear a batting helmet with protective ear flaps, when in 1966, in the midst of trying to break the Cubs' modern consecutive-game hitting streak record of 27 games (set by Hack Wilson in 1929), Santo was sidelined for nearly two weeks following a pitch thrown by the Mets' Jack Fisher (beaning) that fractured his cheekbone and ended his consecutive playing streak. When he returned (and broke the hitting record with a 28-game streak[5]) he was wearing an improvised ear flap on his batting helmet in order to protect the injury; ear flaps have since become standard equipment on batting helmets. __________________ “Eating and sleeping are the only activities that should be allowed to interrupt a man's enjoyment of his cigar;” Mark Twain Last edited by 357; 12-03-2010 at 09:26 AM.

12-03-2010, 11:44 AM	#4
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,305 Trading: (60)	Re: RIP Ron Santo A sad day indeed. Like Mike said, he should have been alive to see his image enshrined in Cooperstown. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

12-03-2010, 11:57 AM	#5
hotreds Ephesians 2:8 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5 miles past "Resume Speed" Posts: 11,662 Trading: (63)	Re: RIP Ron Santo It is a tragedy that he won't be alive for his election to the HOF. Likely they will do it now, because he died. Lotta good that will do him. A great man, and more proof that the HOF voters are turds, by and large. __________________ God loves you so much, that he made you read this, just to let you know.

12-03-2010, 12:00 PM	#6
MarkinAZ Formerly MarkinOR Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mark Location: Sun City West, AZ Posts: 6,221 Trading: (40)	Re: RIP Ron Santo RIP Mr. Santo... In the late 60's while living in Wisconsin, Santo brought alot of joy to me while watching him and Cubs play ball on TV during the weekends. One great ball player __________________ "Don't worry, God will work out His plan for your life..." Psalm 138 8

12-03-2010, 12:19 PM	#8
kelmac07 Resident Maduro Whore!! Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Mac Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 27,322 Trading: (218)	Re: RIP Ron Santo RIP Ron Santo...baseball lost a good one today. __________________ Dom in the MLB thread "I could probably get you to wear a Yankee hat for a Maduro!"

12-03-2010, 12:29 PM	#9
Whee formerly illinoishoosier Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Sean Location: Bishopville, SC Posts: 3,591 Trading: (17)	Re: RIP Ron Santo He got his Hall of Fame when the Cubs retired his number. Between him and Jack Brickhouse, summers were always fun. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbTksNzfZ7w __________________ "Maybe I'm wrong, when they tell me they're right…..naaaaahhhhhh, I'm an asshooooooleeee"--Denis Leary

12-04-2010, 08:18 AM	#10
RevSmoke Ain't Never Gonna Leave Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Todd Location: Northcentral woods of Wisconsin Posts: 6,849 Trading: (51)	Re: RIP Ron Santo RIP. He was one of those who brought joy to listening to games. __________________ Todd__ "Smoke what you like, and enjoy it!"