Ron Santo, one of the greatest players in Chicago Cubs history and a beloved broadcaster for the team, died on December 3, 2010 at the age of 70. The cause of death was complications from bladder cancer and diabetes, two diseases that he battled for most of his life
A Star on the Field
Santo was a nine-time All-Star and a five-time Gold Glove winner at third base, playing for the Cubs from 1960 to 1973 and for the Chicago White Sox in 1974. He hit 342 home runs and drove in 1,331 runs in his 15-year career, and was considered one of the best players not in the Hall of Fame until he was finally inducted in 2012 by the Golden Era Committee
Santo was also a leader and a fan favorite on the Cubs teams that came close to winning the National League pennant in 1969 and 1970, but fell short in dramatic fashion. He was known for his passion and enthusiasm, as well as his trademark heel-clicking celebration after a Cubs win
A Secret Struggle
What many fans did not know until later was that Santo had been diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 18, just before he made his major league debut. He kept his condition a secret for fear of losing his job, and had to inject himself with insulin several times a day. He also had to monitor his blood sugar levels and adjust his diet accordingly
Santo later said that he was shocked and scared when he learned about his diagnosis, and that he read in a library book that the life expectancy of a juvenile diabetic was 25 years. He vowed to fight the disease and pursue his dream of playing baseball
A Voice of the Cubs
After retiring from playing, Santo became a radio announcer for the Cubs in 1990, teaming up with Pat Hughes to provide commentary and analysis for WGN radio. He quickly became a fan favorite again, as he expressed his emotions and opinions openly and honestly, often groaning or cheering along with the listeners. He also shared his personal stories and anecdotes, and developed a rapport with Hughes and the fans.
Santo also used his platform to raise awareness and funds for diabetes research, as he became a spokesperson for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He participated in the annual Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes in Chicago, and helped raise over $65 million for the cause. He was named the JDRF Person of the Year in 2002.
A Legacy of Courage
Despite his efforts to manage his diabetes, Santo suffered from various complications over the years, including heart attacks, heart bypass surgery, bladder cancer, and the amputation of both his legs below the knee. He also lost his sight in one eye and had limited vision in the other.
However, he never gave up or lost his sense of humor, and continued to work as a broadcaster until his death. He also never lost hope that he would one day be inducted into the Hall of Fame, even though he was repeatedly passed over by the voters. He said that it would be the ultimate honor, but that he was already happy with his life and career.
Santo’s death was mourned by his family, friends, colleagues, and fans, who remembered him as a legend, a hero, and a friend. He was praised for his achievements on and off the field, and for his courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. He was also honored by the Cubs, who retired his number 10 and erected a statue of him outside Wrigley Field.
Ron Santo cause of death was a sad end to a remarkable life, but his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him, loved him, and admired him. He was a true Cub, and a true inspiration.
