Rare Photos of Ron Santo

SI Staff | Jul 20, 2012

Rare Photos of Ron Santo

Ron Santo

Louis Requena/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Legendary third baseman and broadcaster Ron Santo, who died Dec. 2, 2010, played 14 seasons in Chicago and is considered one of the most popular Cubs of all time. He is also known for playing his entire career with diabetes. He never spoke of the disease and few teammates knew he had it, yet he rarely missed a game in his 15-year career.

Ron Santo and Hank Aaron

Focus on Sport/Getty Images

Santo shakes hands with Hank Aaron during the 1969 All-Star Game. Santo was named to nine All-Star teams.

Ron Santo

Diamond Images/Getty Images

Santo was known as one of the best fielding third basemen of his era. He won five Gold Glove awards and led the National League in putouts every year from 1962 through 1967 and again in 1969.

Ron Santo

Louis Requena/MLB Photos via Getty Images

At the plate, Santo had a career batting average of .277 with 342 home runs and 1,331 RBIs.

Ron Santo

AP

Santo throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the Cubs' 2002 home opener.

Ron and Jeff Santo

AP

Santo poses with his son, Jeff, in the press box before a Cubs spring training game in Phoenix, Ariz. Jeff's documentary -- This Old Cub -- tells the story of his father's secret life as a diabetic athlete.

Ron Santo

AP

Santo was the Cubs' radio color commentator from 1990-2010.

Ron Santo

AP

Santo signs some autographs before a spring training game in Mesa, Ariz.

Ron Santo

Warren Wimmer/Icon SMI

Santo addresses the fans as the Chicago Cubs celebrate their playoff berth with a rally in Daley Plaza.

Ernie Banks and Ron Santo flags

Warren Wimmer/Icon SMI

Ernie Banks and Ron Santo flags fly in the right field corner of Wrigley Field. Santo is one of seven Cubs to have his number retired at Wrigley, joining Banks, Ryne Sandberg, Billy Williams, Greg Maddux, Ferguson Jenkins and Jackie Robinson (whose number is retired throughout baseball).

Ron Santo tribute

AP

A memorial to Santo was set up outside Wrigley Field after news of his death was announced. The nine-time All-Star died Thursday in an Arizona hospital from complications of bladder cancer.