Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Tag: Ron Santo

Missing Harry, Ernie, Ron and Grandpa

By

On October 6, 2015

In General Cogitation

me_gpav_wrigley-sm

Me and Grandpa Vleaminck. Wrigley Field. circa 1982

In 2003 the Cubs finished 88-74 and it was the last time I remember being excited about post-season baseball. This year they finish at a more impressive 97-64, but I’m trying not to let myself get too excited. Who knows what calamity will befall the Cubs this post-season to knock them out of the playoffs, but I’m going to remain positive. I don’t really believe in curses because to err is human. The impressive statistics from the season, I hope, will continue over the next couple of weeks and the mistakes and errors will not cost the Cubs another shot at redemption.

Regardless of the outcome of the post-season, I’m proud of the team this year. Their season has me thinking about four people: Harry Carey, Ernie Banks, Ron Santo and Grandpa Vleaminck.

My grandpa introduced me to Cubs baseball when I was just two years old. Harry made me love the Cubs during the 80s and 90s. It would be statistically improbable that either of them could have lived to see this team (both would be over 100 years old this year). Harry would have had to come up with a new catch phrase because “Holy Cow” would have been too trite for the spectacular season this year. “Elated” would have been too trite to describe how my grandpa would be feeling right now.

ErnieBanksCartoon_iru49ivi_rfrqjfgjErnie and Ron definitely left before their time and there is a definite sorrow in the air knowing that they could have lived to see this team (especially Ernie who only just passed away this year). As Cubs fans we know that they are all looking down, drinking some “ice cold Bud Light” and watching their favorite team play October baseball.

The first of the Cubs post-season games will be Wednesday night at 8pm (EST) against Pittsburgh.

#LetsGoCubs

In Memory of Ron Santo

By

On December 4, 2010

In General Cogitation

Ron Santo

A great tragedy befell the Chicago Cubs and Cubs fans everywhere. Former third baseman, and WGN Radio voice of the Cubs, Ron Santo, passed away. I am stricken with great sorrow and loss. I feel like I have lost a good friend, though I did not know him personally. Today, in tribute of this great man I will tell a story of my favorite memory of Ron Santo.

It was at the Cubs Convention, an event he enjoyed so much because he got to meet the fans. Ron Santo had a booth in one of the halls for the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation. A rumor began circulating that he was going to appear at his booth to sign autographs. A line began forming even though there had been no confirmation that he was going to show up. Apparently it really was a rumor, and an autograph session had not been scheduled, however, the rumor actually made it all the way to Ron Santo himself and he decided he would show up anyway. He walked through the hall to his booth with huge applause. I expressed to him how much I enjoyed This Ole Cub and he said that meant a lot to him, he was very proud of that movie. The most amusing part of the this brief encounter with a great man was when he autographed the prosthetic leg of the gentleman in the booth next to JDRF. A booth that represented prosthesis for disabled Americans and Americans dealing with diabetes.

While we will miss you greatly here on Earth, I find some comfort, and humor, of the image of you and Harry, sharing a Bud, rooting on the Cubbies from your own cloud-shapped sofa in the sky.

Yes, baseball has lost an icon and the Chicago Cubs have lost their biggest fan. It is a tragedy among tragedies that he was never inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown but he will be forever enshrined in the Hall of Fame in our hearts.

R.I.P. Ron Santo
1940-2010

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