ot: Ron Santo Passes Away

[amckillip]

I hate the Cardinals, but loved listening to Jack Buck. Since we couldn't get the Cubs when I vacationed down south when I was younger, we listened to the Cardinal games (rooting for them to lose), and for occasional Cub updates. He was a staple of my childhood summers. What a great voice.

I grew up listening to both Buck and Carey, and I think one of the reasons I became a Cards fan (my family is split 50/50 all the way up to grandparents) is Jack Buck, he was a great announcer and did a great job 'painting the picture' something that I thought he did better than anyone else.

Don't mean to change the subject too much. RIP Ron Santo.

[BradleyBrave]

I am not a Cubs fan and Santo was probably not one of the best announcers but he was one of the nicest persons that had to endeavor a lot more then anyone should ever have to in their life yet never complained and was a great ambassador for the Cubs, baseball has lost a great friend of the game.

I met Ronnie a couple of times as well. He was exactly the same in person as he was on the radio. You couldn't meet a nicer person, or a bigger Cub fan.

[Future Walk-On]

I liked Santo for the sole reason he gave a crap and let everyone know. He would moan and groan and complain when something in the game went against the Cubs and that is cool.

I can't stand when the announcers of my teams seemed so unbiased and PC.

Santo rocked.

Cubs down 10-0 in ninth and walk in another run...."Jesus, COME ON, this is ridiculous....blah come on....this is terrible...blah!"

[Beninator]

Also keep in mind that third base is a very under represented position in the HOF! Santo's numbers were among the top of his era regardless of position. If you look at his numbers for people outside the usual power position, Santo's numbers are the best of his era. Also, his rbi total was fifth among peers in his era.

[Fetz86]

RIP. Another angel in the outfield for the Cubs, how many is it gonna take before we get to the promised land?

[BUFanatic]

From a Cardinals fan (passive baseball fan mind you) in a split Cubs/Cards/Sox family, I have to express my condolances to all those Cubs fans. You lost an excellent voice and person today. RIP

[wily coyote]

Very sad day for alot of us but especially for me. I grew up during Ron's era and he was one I idolized. I've been a Cub fan for 65 years and to me Ron ,Ernie,Billy and Fergie were what baseball was all about. I don't understand why Ron was never inducted into the HOF. They are saying on WGN today that Ronnie only wanted two things.1.) to go into the HOF and 2.) to see the Cubs in the World Series. Now he'll have to see both from heaven. RIP Ron and condolances to his family and all of Cub Nation.

[Big Mike]

I think the thing I liked most about Ron...was that he was also a fan just like me...and said the things on air I was thinking at home! He will be missed!

[Chico]

My dad hated the Cards, but listened to their games a lot. When someone would ask how come he listened to them if he hates them so much, he would say "I like to hear Harry cry." I think that's why when I knew the Cubs were losing a game I would switch to their game just to listen to Ron. Wouldn't call it crying though, just a guy who passionately cared for a dismal team and took it very serious. Gonna miss that.

[BUfan14]

Veteran's committee ought to be ashamed of themselves. Ron Santo is the Chicago Cubs. Not only were his accomplishments on the field more than good enough for his era to be in the Hall, but what he is/was to the Cubs and baseball off the field and after his career meant so much to the game. RIP Ron Santo.

[Bravesfan]

Respectfully disagree as well. His announcing was entertaining, but he didn't really offer much as far as insight into the game as a color commentator. Guys like Steve Stone and Bob Brenly offer much more to the viewer/listener IMO. Statistically he measures up with any 3B in the HOF from his era, but that's another argument for another day. Gonna miss ya Ronnie.

Yeah, I hate to knock a person who has just passed away, but his announcing skills consisted of not much more than cussing, screaming and hissing every time the Cubs made a bad play or the opposition scored. Don't get me wrong, he was highly entertaining to listen to, but he did not really add much in the way of insight to the game. Kind of reminds of Dick Butkus when he was a color commentator for the Bears in the 80's and early 90's ("Drat! Rats!" ).

Having said all of this though, the guy was a trooper with all he went through and he will be sorely missed by Cubs nation all over the world! Hopefully he gets that HOF induction next year, but unfortunately waiting until now kind of defeats the purpose.

RIP Ronnie!

[BUFanatic]

Kind of reminds of Dick Butkus when he was a color commentator for the Bears in the 80's and early 90's ("Drat! Rats!" ).

RIP Ronnie!

Hmmm, sounds a lot like Tom Thayer..... FUMBLE! or BALL! BALL! lol

[theBUer]

Dollars to donuts TR is going to sell this renovation plan because that is what Santo wanted.

Okay.

[Bravesfan]

Hmmm, sounds a lot like Tom Thayer..... FUMBLE! or BALL! BALL! lol

Oh yeah. Him too. But at least Thayer brings more to the table than Butkus did.

[BUFanatic]

Oh yeah. Him too. But at least Thayer brings more to the table than Butkus did.

True, especially telling us about FELLOWS SHREDDERS! lol I love his color, though!