Hall of Fame Biography: https://youtu.be/ZwPLSLw4W1w
Ronald Edward Santo (Born in Seattle, WA on February 25, 1940 – December 3, 2010) played his entire career in a Chicago baseball uniform wowing fans with his superb defensive ability at the hot corner and his powerful bat at the plate. After signing with the Chicago Cubs in 1959, Ron played half the seasons at third in 1960 eventually filling the spot vacated by All-Star third baseman Al Dark. Ron possessed surprising power, excellent range and speed and a superb glove as he won five National League Gold Gloves at third. From his second year with the Cubs until his last, Santo hit 20 or more home runs 11 of his 14 years with the club including four straight 30+ (1964-1967). Ron was a key member of the Chicago infield that included All-Stars Don Kessinger and Glenn Beckert and Hall of Famer Ernie Banks. He led all National League third basemen in putouts and assists seven times and four times in double plays. At the plate, Santo led the NL in triples once, games and on-base percentage twice, three times in sacrifice flies and four times in walks. The nine-time NL All-Star won the 1973 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award as the “player who best exemplifies his character and integrity both on and off the field. Always the showman, Santo became a fan favorite in Chicago and endeared himself at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field as he would “click his heels” after each win during the Cubs unlikely run at the 1969 National League pennant. Ron played 15 years in the Major Leagues for the Cubs (1960-1973) and the Chicago White Sox (1974). He posted a .954 career fielding percentage with 1,955 putouts, 4,581 assists, 395 double plays and 317 errors in 6,853 chances. Ron Santo finished his career with a .277 career batting average with 2,254 hits including 365 doubles and 342 home runs, scored 1,138 runs and drove in 1,331 RBI. Following his playing days, Santo spent four decades in the broadcast booth until his death from bladder cancer and diabetes in 2010. In 2011, Ron Santo was voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in the Class of 2012.
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