Ron Santo statue unveiled outside Wrigley Field
He clicked his heels in joy as a player during the memorable 1969 season, moaned in misery as an announcer during the forgettable 2009 season, campaigned for a cause as a lifelong diabetic and now Ron Santo has a permanent place at his beloved Wrigley Field.
His bronze statue — a stunning likeness of him throwing a ball to first base — was unveiled in a pregame ceremony Wednesday outside right field, just feet from that of his long-time teammate Billy Williams.
"He's here, I know he is," said Williams, who played more than 2,000 games with the late third baseman and broadcaster who died in December.
"This would have made him overwhelmingly proud and happy," WGN radio broadcast partner Pat Hughes said. "This spot, Wrigley Field, was (his) favorite on earth."
Santo's ashes will be spread on the field Thursday, not far from the foul pole that flies a flag memorializing his retired No. 10.
Santo, a nine-time All-Star in 14 seasons, connected with millions more fans during a 21-year-broadcasting career.
"He connected with us because he was the beating heart of all Cubs fans," Chairman Tom Ricketts said. "This statue will serve as an extraordinary legacy of a great man."
While he hasn't made the Hall of Fame, Santo was satisfied with living and dying as a Cub.
And now he is one of four immortalized with statues, joining Williams, Ernie Banks and broadcaster Harry Caray. Williams, Banks and several other former teammates were present Wednesday.
Santo's son Jeff thanked the Cubs for "giving him a home forever and a place for us to come to visit."
I saw this during a game today and thought it was a very nice statue. Of course, I have no idea who he is, but it's a nice story, him finding a permanent place there. A bit weird about the ashes, though.
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