5 questions for Ron Santo

Jack Etkin, Rocky Mountain News

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

MESA, Ariz. - On a hot afternoon last week, HoHoKam Park was filled with Chicago Cubs fans. Some got a bonus, a chance to greet WGN radio analyst Ron Santo as he made his way into the ballpark late in the morning. Cubs fans revere Santo for many reasons. He was a superb third baseman for the team (1960 to 1973) who won five Gold Gloves, made nine All-Star teams and hit 342 home runs. He's a familiar voice throughout the summer, openly pulling for the Cubs and groaning at their misdeeds. Santo has survived many health problems, adding to his heroic stature among Cubs fans. And they sympathize with him, too, because Santo has failed to gain entrance into the Hall of Fame on three occasions, the most recent announced Feb. 25, by the revamped Veterans Committee. Rocky Mountain News staff writer Jack Etkin caught up with Santo recently.

1 After losing 96 games last year, the Cubs were busy in the offseason, committing more than $300 million to acquire Alfonso Soriano, Cliff Floyd, Ted Lilly, Mark DeRosa, Jason Marquis, Neil Cotts and Daryle Ward and hiring manager Lou Piniella. Are you more optimistic than ever about the Cubs?

"I'm always optimistic, but after last year, absolutely more optimistic about this year because it's obvious this is a good ballclub. Can't do anything about injuries, but I just think we didn't play good baseball last year. We will play good baseball with Lou Piniella."

2 Diabetes has led to the amputations of portions of both your legs in 2002 and 2003. You were treated for bladder cancer in 2003 and in 1999 underwent open-heart surgery, a quadruple bypass. Is it fair to say people, in addition to seeing you as a former Cub and a broadcaster, revere you for being an inspiration?

"I feel I'm a symbol of hope. I think that's mainly the reason that the accolades come my way. I really believe strongly that has a lot to do with it rather than just baseball and broadcasting. I'm one of them, and they know it. They know I'm a Cub fan."

3 How disappointed were you when the Hall of Fame vote on veteran players was announced late last month?

"I was very disappointed. To be honest with you, when I found I didn't get in and nobody got in again. I'm usually very cordial to all you writers, but I couldn't talk to anybody because I had nothing to say."

4 You're optimistic by nature. Are you hopeful about getting into the Hall of Fame?

"I always hold out hope, but I have to say when they changed the vote on veterans to every two years, having what I have, I want to be here and enjoy it. So when this did not happen after my 67th birthday (on Feb. 25), I felt really down. Don't get me wrong, I'm feeling great. I'm working out. I'm doing everything right. But with the disease that I have, you never know how long . . . And it can turn on you in a minute."

5 Do you think any change in the Veterans Committee voting procedure would enhance your chances of being elected?

"If they change it to (an election) every year, that would make me feel very positive. I have led in combined votes in the three elections. (Gil) Hodges and I tied in the last election in 2005. I led this year. Hodges lost votes from two years ago. So did Tony Oliva. That's what I worry about. Two years from now, instead of being five votes away, I might be seven votes down (from this year) or whatever. So that's what bothers me."