At Last, Ron Santo Elected To Baseball's Hall Of Fame
by Al Yellon on Dec 5, 2011 10:06 AM CST
in Chicago Cubs News
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PrintThis is a happy day and a sad day for all Cubs fans.
"Chicago Cubs legend Ron Santo", as Pat Hughes always introduced him on WGN radio, has been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the latest incarnation of the Veterans Committee; he'll be inducted on July 22, 2012, and perhaps others if anyone is voted in when the BBWAA balloting is announced next month. Ron received 15 votes from the 16 members of the committee.
It's a day for celebration because this honor is long overdue. I don't need to tell you that Santo is, and has been for many years, highly qualified for this honor; he was, at the time of his retirement, one of the top five or six third basemen in MLB history and even now, nearly 40 years later, he's still in the top 10. He has also, for quite some time, been the best player in baseball history not in the Hall.
It's a sad day because Ron died just over a year ago and is not here to enjoy this happy news with us.
Santo made no secret of his desire to be in the Hall. In fact, one of the reasons he decided to take the WGN radio gig offered to him in 1990 was that, after 15 years out of the game, he felt that the exposure might help him get inducted.
There are some, reportedly, who resented that and who might have worked to keep him out. I have no proof of that, other than stories I've heard, but if that's true -- shame on anyone who did that for that reason.
There are other stories that Santo's heel-click -- pictured at the top of this post -- was something that opponents in the day didn't like. It's true that players didn't do that sort of thing in 1969, but compared to silly things done today like "BEAST MODE", it appears quaint and charming. He did it just a few times, and only after home victories. Nevertheless, some opponents apparently felt it was "showing them up" and have held grudges for decades. Shame on them, too. Santo did it because he was happy about winning, nothing more.
There are plenty of problems with the Hall of Fame induction process and it's not my purpose to discuss them here. Instead, let's celebrate the baseball career and exemplary life of Ron Santo; in addition to having a stellar career as a player, he was a tireless advocate for diabetes research and helped raise many millions of dollars for the cause. He did all this in spite of having the disease himself; it ravaged his body to the point of losing both legs, as well as a myriad of other health problems. If you have seen "This Old Cub" (and if you haven't, you should), you know he approached all of this with unfailing good humor.
His broadcasting career spanned 21 seasons, one of the longest in Cubs broadcast history; no, he wasn't a great analyst. Instead, he was a Cubs fan in the radio booth, groaning and moaning and cheering like the rest of us. He will be remembered forever for his "Oh, NOOOOOOOO!", yelled in Milwaukee when Brant Brown dropped that fly ball.
It is sad that Ron won't be around next summer to receive the honor he should have been granted years ago. Again, for that, Hall voters -- whoever they were in various incarnations -- should be ashamed.
But his family will be there. Three of his teammates and friends already inducted, Ernie, Billy and Fergie, will be there. I'd expect that thousands of Cubs fans will be there.
And we will remember. All of us who saw him play, who followed his career, who listened to him faithfully on the radio, will keep the memory of Ron Santo alive, and can now point to a plaque in Cooperstown as proof of his greatness, and to his enduring legacy.
Congratulations, Ron, for an honor long deserved, and better received now, than not at all. Don't be sad on this day because he's not here. He wouldn't have wanted that; last year, in eulogizing him, Pat Hughes reminded all of us to remember Ron with a smile. Do that on this happy day, and also, let's turn this into the biggest celebration the Hall of Fame has ever seen.
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"Oh YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Dec 5, 2011 10:08 AM CST reply actions 23 recs
Well said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫
by katie casey on Dec 5, 2011 10:17 AM CST up reply actions 4 recs
And let me add an ALRIGHT! and a BOY OH BOY!
♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫
by katie casey on Dec 5, 2011 10:21 AM CST up reply actions 6 recs
God bless you Ronnie. A way overdue honor.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion? (Now #8452 in the Cubs Season Ticket Wait List...)
by Zeke on Dec 5, 2011 10:57 AM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Love it!
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
I'd like to thank all the assholes associated with the HoF
for not doing this while that wonderful man was alive to enjoy it.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Dec 5, 2011 10:10 AM CST reply actions 76 recs
Second...
poor guy doesnt get in while he is alive but then he dies and he gets 15 of the 16 votes, something is wrong with the Baseball HOF. Congrats Ronnie, we miss you!!!
by Spyderson7 on Dec 5, 2011 10:15 AM CST up reply actions 11 recs
Rec for both comments.
I have one word for the HOF committee…
AS*#@&^S!
Pardon my language, not voting him in all this time until now is total BS.
"IN THEO WE TRUST"
And now, since I have gotten that out of my system
Yeah, Ronnie! You did it! BOOYAH! Woohooooooo!!!!!
"IN THEO WE TRUST"
THIS, very rec'd
Absolutely! Thank you to the Golden Era Committee, at the very least.
I completely agree with blackhawk and the four statements that follow
Congrats Ron! Wish you were here to savor the moment.
Yeah, I know there should be an apostrophe in "Vails," but punctuation wasn't an option when I signed up.
by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Dec 5, 2011 11:06 AM CST up reply actions
THIS SHOULD BE THE EXACT AND COMPLETE VERBATIM OF THE EXCEPTANCE SPEECH.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 7 recs
Then the speaker should hold the mic high in air, drop it to the ground and walk away.
"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach
that movie can do no wrong IMO
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Would be beautiful to watch.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
Wish it could be something like this but I know it can't
fast forward to about the 2:45 mark:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY5UmBY35yY
Just win the next game...!
Acceptance Speech
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 3:43 PM CST up reply actions
rec'd beyond belief
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
MLBTR's post
mentions that he was 79.3 WAR.
I think that alone show how much of assholes they really were towards him, and how Ron really did deserve to be in LONG before now.
I like seeing my favourites in the HoF, but to forget someone like Ron Santo, who was even statistically so good, never mind his intense passion for the game, shows how screwed up the election buddy system really is.
Congrats to Ron, and I really do wish he had been around to see this.
by chrisw95 on Dec 5, 2011 11:52 AM CST up reply actions 5 recs
Here's the full list:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/WAR_career.shtml. Santo’s at 66.4.
"Sir,--It has been wittily remarked that there are three kinds of falsehood: the first is a 'fib,' the second is a downright lie, and the third and most aggravated is statistics." *The National Observer* (June 13, 1891): p. 93-94.
I should have mentioned
that it was fangraphs listing @ 79.3, but still, considering the era, and the teams he played on after 69, 66.4 should have been more than enough to get him into the HoF, based on statistics alone.
I will simply say, that his passion and character should have gotten him in, his performance, was simply a plus for all Cubs fans, and really, all fans of baseball.
I wish I had been around to see him play, but, even barring that, his passion in the booth alone was enough to make him a permanent part of the historical Cubs legacy.
Once again, it’s about time.
One less thing to, as a Cubs fan, to say I was able to see in my lifetime.
i am 60
only 40 more to go
Chronologically inept since 2060
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Dec 5, 2011 10:41 PM CST up reply actions
Definitely have some mixed emotions
But bottom line is I’m happy he finally gets this honor that was long overdue.
Harry Caray: Marshall is going back to LA to get cocaine for his injured foot.
Steve Stone: Harry, that’s Novocaine.
by Julio Zuleta's Voodoo on Dec 5, 2011 10:14 AM CST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Mixed Emotions for sure
but all in all happy for Ron and his family. Congratulations ole number 10!
Theo!
by OB on Dec 5, 2011 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 4 recs
So happy for Ron and his family...
…so sad he’s not here to take it all in.
by NashCub on Dec 5, 2011 10:15 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
Sad that he's gone...
…angry this didn’t happen sooner. But, at long last, justice is done.
"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach
by daver on Dec 5, 2011 10:16 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
Absolutely thrilled. Very emotional day.
Wonderful to see an injustice righted. Better late than never I suppose.
♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫
by katie casey on Dec 5, 2011 10:19 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
It's beyond a shame that he is not around to celebrate this well deserved induction.
But I am very happy that his name and face will forever be enshrined in Cooperstown.
by bdlugz on Dec 5, 2011 10:19 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
Great news!
Yes, Ronnie should have been in the HoF years ago but this is a day to celebrate the life and career of a Cubs legend. Pop in your “This Old Cub” DVD and let the tears of joy flow. Congrats to the Santo family…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
by DKT on Dec 5, 2011 10:20 AM CST reply actions 5 recs
They finally got it right. Coopertown will be mobbed.
I’m 57 and baseball was my first love. I told my son I would not go to the Baseball HOF until Santo was in. I will begin planning my trip. Hey hey, that aboy Ronnie.
by Rick B on Dec 5, 2011 10:20 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
My wife is already looking into it
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As am I and Mrs. Zeke.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion? (Now #8452 in the Cubs Season Ticket Wait List...)
Happy and Sad, what a day.
Tears in my eyes over this one. Congratulations Ron, just wish you were still here.
by TheNotoriousJJ on Dec 5, 2011 10:20 AM CST reply actions 5 recs
My eyes too.
God bless you Ron Santo. You gave me many a thrill when I was a kid and you made me proud to be a Cub fan.
Somewhere, up there in baseball heaven (the part that’s not located at Clark and Addison), a certain third baseman is smiling.
IF IT TAKES FOREVER!!
by Cubfansince1957 on Dec 5, 2011 11:43 PM CST up reply actions
Great work, BBWAA
Wait till a guy who clearly deserved induction to die before voting him in 15-1. I want to know who switched their vote.
by Champ Summers on Dec 5, 2011 10:21 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
This wasn't BBWAA
This was a new version of a veterans committee.
Here's to you, Ron Santo...
One of the greats to play the game, one fantastic broadcaster, and one helluva Cubs fan. I remember people putting the TV on mute and turning on the radio to listen to Santo during games. So glad he’s finally in.
by gocubbies on Dec 5, 2011 10:21 AM CST reply actions 3 recs
Very emotional very bittersweet but very happy
Congratulations to Ronnie. Well deserved!
BEAR DOWN!
Sveum Game '12
by mikegncb34 on Dec 5, 2011 10:21 AM CST via mobile reply actions 4 recs
I really want to go to the ceremony
I think it would make for a great first trip.
by Lweb23 on Dec 5, 2011 10:21 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
That would be great. I've never been there either
and quite honestly I never really pushed to go because of Ronnie’s exclusion. If I heard correctly they said the ceremony was July 22nd.
♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫
by katie casey on Dec 5, 2011 10:24 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
July 22, 2012 is correct.
Cubs will be playing a day game vs. Cardinals that day.
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My point was...
… that people who might have gone to a game at Wrigley if it had been scheduled on induction day, won’t have to worry about missing it if they decide to go to Cooperstown.
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It's overdue
I know he’s not alive to celebrate it with us, but that shouldn’t stop us from celebrating his life and career.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.
by Ace Venom on Dec 5, 2011 10:21 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
Quote from Tom Ricketts via press release from the Cubs
"All who knew Ron or welcomed him into their homes on the radio recognize he was so much more than a Hall of Fame baseball player. He was the beating heart of Cubs fans," said Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts. "As an athlete, he was our All-Star. As a radio analyst, he carried our passion. For those battling illness or disease, he remains an inspiration. And for all of us who had the honor of calling him our friend, he is forever beloved.
"Though it is bittersweet that Ron is not here to enjoy this day, we are comforted by the pride members of the Santo family have for their husband, father and grandfather. On behalf of the Chicago Cubs organization and all of our fans, we congratulate Ron Santo’s family on this historic day and look forward to his induction next summer."
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by Al Yellon on Dec 5, 2011 10:26 AM CST reply actions 25 recs
beautiful statement from Tom
I am choked up all over again
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
Do you think he got in as a sympathetic measure?
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
No.
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by Al Yellon on Dec 5, 2011 10:27 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
It looks like that on the surface
But the process was changed (IMO) to get Ronnie in. The problem I have with the whole thing is they knew this after the 1st couple times the vet committee voted that that group didn’t want any new kids in their tree-house. And to make matters worse, they had the old vet-committee vote only on a bi-annual basis.
Just win the next game...!
This
The whole Veterans Committee process was changed to get more people into Cooperstown in general and Ron Santo in particular. That they didn’t do this earlier is a shame, since it should have been obvious that no one could get elected from that older committee. But they didn’t and when they did change the process, Ronnie was still alive.
I’m sad. I’m elated.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 5, 2011 12:24 PM CST up reply actions 5 recs
It's Goldilocks and the Three Cubs
The original Veteran’s Committee voted in too many cronys.
The living HOF Veteran’s Committee didn’t vote in anyone.
This one was just right.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 12:30 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
Let's hope
but considering how close they came to electing Jim Kaat, I think they’re going back to the old crony system.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 5, 2011 12:44 PM CST up reply actions
I think Kaat deserves it.
Tommy John, too.
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I don't
although as I’ve said before, I’m willing to give Tommy John some bonus points for the surgery (no, he didn’t invent it, but he was the one who told Dr. Frank Jobe to do it on him and that he was going to pitch again) that would put him over the top.
Neither one would be an insult to the hall though. I’d take John over Kaat. But Kaat has the advantage that he’s been part of the game continuously as a broadcaster since he retired. He’s made a lot of friends over that time.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 5, 2011 12:58 PM CST up reply actions
No.
This was a completely new in-person committee vote. Billy Williams has one of the votes. It was almost a shoo-in that he was getting in this year. If this had been the process before, he would have gotten in.
The last version of the Veterans Committee did not induct anyone.
John Grabow - Who will pay you $4.8 million in 2012?
And this just started this year?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Yes.
This is the first year for the new committee.
John Grabow - Who will pay you $4.8 million in 2012?
When was Santo last eligible?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I sure as hell hope not...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid. I'm a Sheeple and proud of it!
Spelling and grammar errors are included for creative and artistic reasons.
HOLLA!
Congrats, I know your sitting up there with a big grin on your face!!
"Haters are on notice- you’re worst nightmare is about to come true- a Cubs team that has the resources, manpower and common sense necessary to succeed. You probably ought to get on the bandwagon now."- Theo Epstein
by By Santo's Grace on Dec 5, 2011 10:27 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
Way to go Big boy!
I am so happy right now but like many of you saddened this came too late for Ron to enjoy it. If a statue could smile, Ron’s would be today!
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on Dec 5, 2011 10:30 AM CST reply actions 5 recs
Plus 10
That’s perfect
"I've got a head full of whiskey and some bad ideas" - Scott Holt
by Ihatethecards on Dec 5, 2011 10:41 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I know Ronnie is up there watching...
Congratulations on finally getting in!
But, jeez, this is just a bittersweet moment. I know I’m not the only one who’s tearing up a bit right now.
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/CBB rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Dec 5, 2011 10:32 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
These bastards. These stinking, hateful, petty bastards
You will never convince me that they didn’t wait until he died. Never. If he’d lived until 2025, he’d have gotten in on the 2026 ballot.
They didn’t want to deal with him up there.
They didn’t want the sheer embarassment that this man would bring to them, because first the idiot, bourbon-soaked, marinara-stained scumbag writers didn’t see fit to put him in and then the selfish pricks on the Veterans Committee – scared to death they might have to divide their HoF memorabilia revenue further — refused his entry.
They knew they would have to do it eventually. So, they chose to stick it to him.
May they all rot in hell.
"It's all in the game, yo"
by Worf on Dec 5, 2011 10:33 AM CST reply actions 21 recs
It's a different committee
I assure you, Mike Schmidt is just as pissed off about this now as he would have been in 2008.
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 5, 2011 10:34 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Well then no point responding
since you say you can’t be convinced.
John Grabow - Who will pay you $4.8 million in 2012?
I was waiting for your response
I feel your anger
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
"Much anger in him..."
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Dec 5, 2011 11:11 AM CST up reply actions 4 recs
If you believe in hell
Then, perhaps you believe in heaven.
Ron Santo IS enjoying this with all of us. And he’s doing it pain-free, standing on two good legs. And heaven looks just like Wrigley Field on a warm and sunny afternoon with the W flag going up the pole.
-- Jerome Horwitz
by KO Stradivarius on Dec 5, 2011 11:38 AM CST via mobile up reply actions 7 recs
Heaven looks like Penelope Cruz kissing Charlize Theron and then looking at me
"It's all in the game, yo"
by Worf on Dec 5, 2011 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Merry Christmas
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 12:32 PM CST up reply actions
Worf...?
Your heaven looks the same as MY heaven?! :]
There are no facts, only interpretations.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Lets Go Theo!!! 10/13/2011
It's a different committee
and Cooperstown specifically changed the committee to get Santo elected. The old committee was created so poorly that they were unable to elect anyone. None of this was done out of any sort of spite. The rules were changed to get him in while he was still alive.
I understand being angry and there is certainly anger mixed with my happiness today. But you’re going to send yourself to an early grave holding this kind of anger at the world inside of you. I say this sincerely as a concerned human being.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 5, 2011 12:28 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
icky
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
A whole river of HATE OOZE
A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!!!
GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by Azul Cachorro on Dec 5, 2011 4:05 PM CST up reply actions
I agree whole-heartedly worf is right on this one
and does anybody know who the(insert your own four-letter words) is who didn’t vote
For him this year?
Marilyn Monroe "yogi your a pretty cool guy"
Berra " Marilyn you ain't so hot yourself"!
Nothing rots in hell, it burns
and hopefully they will at the temperature of fusion plasma.
But we all get your point sir.
Rec’d
Just win the next game...!
This is good, though belated news.
I don’t really follow HOF stuff that closely. Did the voting process change recently (like, since Santo was last eligible)? I’m a little confused …
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
by elgato on Dec 5, 2011 10:33 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Yes.
This is a new committee, formed to consider only people from the 1947-72 era.
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When was Santo last eligible?
And when did the new voting structure take effect?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Off top of my head
was every two years and when nobody was elected last time, they re-worked the process
2009, I believe
… they started this structure last year and are now doing it by “era”.
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Sigh.
Santo always seemed deserving to me. But it really makes me sad that the system wasn’t changed a couple years earlier. Even if Santo got a vote or two out of sympathy/respect because he died, I can’t imagine seven of the votes he got this time going the other way two years ago.
Man.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
by elgato on Dec 5, 2011 10:42 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I guess he needed 12 votes.
Still, I kinda doubt even three guys would have gone the other way if Santo were still alive.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'm thirlled Ronnie finally got in
and livid that they waited until after he died….but it was well deserved and I’m glad he’s int.
by cubman987 on Dec 5, 2011 10:34 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
Hooray for Ronnie
And it is indeed bittersweet.
It’s a joke that he wasn’t voted in by the writers 25 years ago.
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 5, 2011 10:35 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
Who was the one holdout?
The 16-member Golden Era Committee was comprised of Hall of Fame members Hank Aaron, Pat Gillick, Al Kaline, Ralph Kiner, Tommy Lasorda, Juan Marichal, Brooks Robinson and Billy Williams; major league executives Paul Beeston (Blue Jays), Bill DeWitt (Cardinals), Roland Hemond (Diamondbacks), Gene Michael (Yankees) and Al Rosen (retired); and veteran media members Dick Kaegel, Jack O’Connell and Dave Van Dyck.
I'm pretty sure it wasn't Dave Van Dyck
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 5, 2011 10:37 AM CST up reply actions
I doubt it was Van Dyck
so either Kaegel or O’Connell. Which one prefers bourbon?
John Grabow - Who will pay you $4.8 million in 2012?
You have no way of knowing that.
Santo was having issues getting through the veterans’ committee, so it’s just as likely that it was a player.
I’d say the only votes that we can predict are Williams and Van Dyck.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Lasorda
Lasorda was a big Santo supporter, for what its worth.
Eamus Ursuli!
by WGNstatic on Dec 5, 2011 10:48 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
It likely was a player.
I don’t know that Santo and Kiner were exactly backslappin’ buddies. Ralph through the years sure had a way of giving Santo backhanded compliments on Mets broadcasts, and of course Ronnie never was shy about expressing his love for the Mets.
A less-likely possibility is Marichal, who may carry some resentment over the fact that Santo hit him pretty hard. Also, after Ronnie was beaned by Jack Fisher in ’66, he understandably had less tolerance for headhunters.
"Elder White! Look at the talent on those Cubs!" Harry Caray, KMOX Radio, 4/22/62
"And you have to wonder – What's the matter with Broglio?" Harry, KMOX, 5/24/64
Doubt it was Marichal.
Kiner, sounds possible.
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I'm guessing Rosen
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Ill blame Bill DeWitt
only because there is a possibility he is related to Blake.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
If he is Popular Bluff, Missouri,
He is related to Blake.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Dec 5, 2011 11:56 AM CST up reply actions
*from
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Dec 5, 2011 11:57 AM CST up reply actions
That must be some bluff...
… if it’s that popular.
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careful Al - keep that up and you'll really be aspen for it.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I had a teacher that looked just like Willow
And one of her legs was shorter than the other, so when she stood at the podium, it would sway in the breeze, much like a willow tree.
That’s a 2-fer, kids.
"We push bunt, we squeeze bunt, we hit and run, we steal home!" - Larry Cox on the 1989 NL East Champion Chicago Cubs
Santo led a Hall of Fame life.
He didn’t need this to secure his legacy.
by Clark Addison on Dec 5, 2011 10:39 AM CST reply actions 12 recs
OK-That got me to tear up.
♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫
There's no crying in Baseball!
There’s no crying in Baseball!!
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 11:07 AM CST up reply actions
This, very much so
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid. I'm a Sheeple and proud of it!
Spelling and grammar errors are included for creative and artistic reasons.
And a response from the other side
From Dan Bernsteins Twitter feed
Ron Santo elected to HOF by the Special Committee to Just Put Santo in the Hall, Already.
See, that's another problem with this process
Somehow, Santo’s candidacy will seem tarnished because such convoluted machinations were done here.
This is a perfectly reasonable and snarky thing to say by Bernstein, and it’s a comment we might have made about a player from another team dealing with this
"It's all in the game, yo"
true
it is about time he got in, but sad how he got in.
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
I don't really care what anyone else thinks.
I only care he got in because it was so important to him. No one could ever convince me he was not one of the best to ever play the game.
It's pretty bad when you can call a comment both reasonable and snarky
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 11:08 AM CST up reply actions
In the long run, he'll just be "Ron Santo, HOF"
No one will care about the process, and it certainly won’t tarnish anything.
by Orval Overall on Dec 5, 2011 11:46 AM CST up reply actions 5 recs
Dan Bernstein can go do something physically impossible to himself
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Meh
When the dust settles, #10 will have a plaque in Cooperstown and who the hell is going to care why or how it happened?
by bluekoolaide on Dec 5, 2011 10:53 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
When the dust settles, who will ever care what Dan Bernstein says
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 11:01 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
if Dan Bernstein were talking in a dust storm and no one is around to hear......
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
Bernstein is jealous
He will be forgotten 5 years after his career ends.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Dec 5, 2011 11:59 AM CST up reply actions
Seriously?
He’s the 1-6pm afternoon host on 670 The Score here in ChiTown.
Just win the next game...!
Dan Bernstein can lick his own elbow?
huh.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
Bernstein
He’s long said that Santo should be in the Hall. I think that you’re misreading the tone of his tweet. Santo is a saber guy and knows the value of Santo’s numbers. He isn’t a Cub guy, however, and isn’t a Santo true believer, so he’d like to move on from all of this.
Bernstein is a punk,
and whether he thinks Santo was a Hall of Fame player makes not difference to me, whatsoever.
Should hear what that dick-bag just said on 670-the score
He’s glad Ronnie wasn’t elected when he was alive so no one would have to hear him whining about his disease and how he was playing against the best players, yadda, yadda.
He went on to even say he believed Ronnie had other folks sign the swan song about Ronnie’s not getting in previously.
I used to think Dan Bernstein was as ASSHOLE, now I’m convinced of it.
Just win the next game...!
I know it's not right to say this...
but I hope Dan Bernstein loses his penis to diabetes…and by diabetes I mean a Rottweiler named “Diabetes”.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 2:14 PM CST up reply actions 14 recs
I know that I shouldn't be saying this, but
start training that dog today…
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
by vonde6 on Dec 5, 2011 3:40 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
sounds like a fireable offense to me if thats true
Unacceptable
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Fireable?
Bernstein said that Santo deserved to be a Hall of Famer. He did say that he was glad that Santo didn’t get in while he was alive because he was tired of Santo’s self promotion and the “woe is me” tactics that he used to get in. I know this is a feel good day and I don’t want to start anything. Bernstein may be a bit harsh but its hard to deny that WGN radio and the Walk for the Cure became a Santo to the Hall mouthpiece. I’m glad that Ron got in, but to me, the self promotion got tiresome.
Well I didn't hear it
just going off of BHawk wrote. Maybe not fireable but can I go with smackable??
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Again...
… I think that Bernstein could have used different language to get his point across. He’s not a Cubs fan and his view represents, likely, what a lot of non-Cub fans felt.
I’m glad that Ron got in. Numbers proved he deserved to be in (which Bernstein said). I was never a Santo die hard, and I will say that at times, I wish the Pat and Ron show would have been less of a Ron to the Hall infomercial.
Very true
I wanted to see Santo in the Hall, and I think he deserved to get in. But I was tired of him politicking for it and using his position as Cubs announcer to do it.
It is too bad he isn’t here to enjoy it, but better late than never.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Dec 5, 2011 6:01 PM CST up reply actions
I heard it and while later he stated Ronnie deserved the HoF
he ranted again that he didn’t want to hear the whining and believed the HoF kept him out while he was alive so they didn’t have to hear it. Again, this is Bernstein saying this as his opinion not what he knows the HoF was doing.
He also said he was tired of Ronnie whining about it on the radio – guess I missed all those times on ’GN – and having other people prop him up in the media.
Just win the next game...!
I heard them both joking around about how they're tired of hearing about him and his disease.
as someone who has a family member with JD, they sickened and angered me. I’m done with 670 :(
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Dec 6, 2011 12:46 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly - Rec'd
Hope your family member / family is doing well with the JD challenge.
Just win the next game...!
thanks...it's hard tho.... that's why I appreciate and am amazed at what Ron Santo has done,
in baseball and for diabetes.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Wow what a fucking dick.
Excuse the language, but that’s infuriating.
by Dcr18 on Dec 5, 2011 7:15 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
Great post, Al.
Such a happy day for Cubs fans! BIttersweet, indeed, but so well deserved.
by eamuscatuli10 on Dec 5, 2011 10:40 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
No one else got in
They needed 75 percent of the 16, so, 12 votes
Kaat got 10. Hodges and Minoso got 9.
That way, they don’t have to divide the HoF memorabilia money too badly in any one year. How’s Kaat’s health? If he dies next year, he’s a lock.
Stinking, theiving bastards
"It's all in the game, yo"
Kaat and Hodges are both worthy
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They are
But the Veterans Committee is apparently going to do one every two years. Read Zev Chafets’ wonderful book about the Hall of Fame. The HoF memoraiblia profits are divided amongst the inductees
The more inductees, the less money. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Santo’s family has no claim on this money. Pure profit for the greedy, thieving scumbags.
"It's all in the game, yo"
No, get it right
The writers are bourbon-soaked — 4 percent of the ballot in 1980? REALLY?
The Veterans Committee members are selfish and greedy.
All involved were scumbags.
"It's all in the game, yo"
As long as you're keeping an open mind.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Sorry, what did these guys do to deserve the benefit of the doubts?
Was it the 4 percent in 1980 or the complete shut out in the 2000s or the 43 percent in 1998, behind spitballer and overall worthless human being Don Sutton?
"It's all in the game, yo"
Were those writers part of either vote?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Writers were the only voters in 1980
And in 1998. The greedy veterans were the ones in 2000.
I would like a good explanation for Santo receiving FOUR PERCENT of the vote from the writers in 1980. That blows my mind.
"It's all in the game, yo"
My point is that you're lumping writers ...
in today’s HOF vote with those from 1980 and 1998. And considering that we know at least two (possibly three) of the votes this time were for Santo, well, your generalization is unnecessary.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Nah, it's perfect
Writers love their little power over players. MVP votes, BCS rankings, and Hall of Fame.
It’s the nerds finally getting revenge on the jocks.
"It's all in the game, yo"
Sophistry.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
back in 1984
We didn’t understand a lot of the things that we understand now. If you just evaluate Santo by his batting average, home runs and RBI, he falls short. Remember, those were the only stats that were available, even to writers. People also didn’t understand that you couldn’t compare stats from the sixties and the thirties.
I’m willing to give the writers I’m 1980 a pass. After that, they are jerks.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 5, 2011 11:01 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
The first part, I'll give you
As far as not understanding that you can’t compare eras… if you’re right, they are blistering idiots.
"It's all in the game, yo"
Maybe he means bourbon should be given the benefit of the doubt.
Bourbon had nothing to do with it. Those clowns drank moonshine made in car radiators. I don’t even know if such a thing is possible.
"This is a football." "Slow down, coach! You're goin' too fast!"
I like baseball
But it’s hearing things like this that make me want to go to a Broadway show over the HOF.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 11:31 AM CST up reply actions
have you ever been to one??
Its not really my thing but my mother in law took us to see Billy Elliott and it was pretty cool.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Never on Broadway, but I haven't been to NYC in a while
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 11:37 AM CST up reply actions
And how much politics goes into the Tony Awards?
John Grabow - Who will pay you $4.8 million in 2012?
apples and oranges
Would I bever go see the Broadway HOF? No.
Somebody pass the bourbon.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 11:36 AM CST up reply actions
It could be worse
we could be Oklahoma State fans right now. At least our guy is actually getting in.
"It's all in the game, yo"
don't go there
Baseball HOF and BCS is like crossing the streams in Ghostbusters.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 11:37 AM CST up reply actions
Nothing like rewarding an 0-6 finish!
At least we’re playing a team that has a losing record and also just fired their coach. Game on!
How about those Badgers!
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 5, 2011 12:44 PM CST up reply actions
We'll settle this on the basketball court...
Because that’s the only place we stand a chance.
And I think you'll have a good chance
Bucky got ranked because writers got tired of being burned … I think UW finishes in the top 25, but not the top 10 for BB.
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 5, 2011 12:50 PM CST up reply actions
the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Bowl
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
The Gruel Bowl?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid. I'm a Sheeple and proud of it!
Spelling and grammar errors are included for creative and artistic reasons.
Wow-I never realized that they had a vested interest in keeping guys out
Now, suddenly, things are making a lot of sense. that is seriously messed up.
I don't see Hodges.
He was a very good 1st baseman. 1st baseman need great offensive stats. I’d put McGriff in if Hodges goes in.
John Grabow - Who will pay you $4.8 million in 2012?
Agreed on Hodges.
Hodges MIGHT havee become a great manager, if so, he’d qualify. But his managerial career was too short, IMO.
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It could be a two person class this year
The only person I see getting in on the BBWAA ballot is Barry Larkin.
it's possible
Ronnie goes in alone.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 5, 2011 11:03 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions 1 recs
In some small measure, yes, it would.
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Not at the cost of Minoso not getting in.
by South Side Expat on Dec 6, 2011 11:20 PM CST up reply actions
You'll think this means I hate the White Sox
… but I don’t feel Minoso is qualified. Close, yes, but not quite.
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An argument for a different thread,
as this thread should be here for you guys to celebrate Santo. I’d gladly have that debate, but not here. Santo earned this, I’m not gonna threadcrap it.
by South Side Expat on Dec 7, 2011 11:42 AM CST up reply actions
Thanks.
Appreciated. I think Minoso has been an outstanding ambassador for baseball, and he was a very, very good player. Just not quite HoF.
Incidentally, did you know he lives within walking distance of Wrigley Field?
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within walking distance of Sluggers would be more accurate... :-)
I see him all the time in the ’hood – most often getting in/out of his car on Eddy, near Clark.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Not according to the address I have for him.
It’s a little more high-rise than that.
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your address is right - I'm just saying he spends a lot of time at Sluggers
I think Capt Zak (or whoever the guy is that runs Sluggers and has those two Mercedes with vanity plates) has got Minnie on retainer or some kind of deal. Kinda like a goodwill ambassador.
Wonder if he gives the batting cages a try every now and then…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I got to spend some time with him at Sluggers
during the Baseball Prospectus Opening Night event before the start of this past season.
by South Side Expat on Dec 7, 2011 2:07 PM CST up reply actions
I've met him before
… as well as his wife. They’re good people.
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good news has
never made me so angry.
congrats, Ronnie. Just wish you were hear to enjoy it, so I could enjoy you enjoying it.
by orenthal on Dec 5, 2011 10:43 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
Nice piece about Santo on ESPN’s Sweet Spot blog
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by Al Yellon on Dec 5, 2011 10:44 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Thanks for the link
The column raised a good point: can you imagine what his induction speech would have been like? Not a dry eye in the house.
Harry Caray: Marshall is going back to LA to get cocaine for his injured foot.
Steve Stone: Harry, that’s Novocaine.
by Julio Zuleta's Voodoo on Dec 5, 2011 11:10 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I'm so happy
yet sad and a little angry. Ron deserved to be in the HOF long ago. Whoever the MOFUs were in the past that kept him out……….a pox on you.
by Swoosie on Dec 5, 2011 10:44 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
TEARS OF JOY
As someone else said, this man led a Hall of Fame life. I never met a tougher son of a bitch in my life. The Hall finally got it right. While he always said getting his number retired was his Hall of Fame, I know he’s happy as hell right now. Take that you bastards who kept him out all these years, RON SANTO IS A HALL OF FAMER.
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by BeerCub on Dec 5, 2011 10:44 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
somewhere...
Ronnie’s sucking up bad hop grounders to third with a big smile on his face. On somebody’s Field of Dreams.
"This is a game to be savored, not gulped. There's time to discuss everything between pitches or between innings." -- Bill Veeck
by MOCubsfan on Dec 5, 2011 10:45 AM CST reply actions 5 recs
Agree with 'Swoosie' 100000%
So overdue.
Wait a minute... who am I here?
by malicedoom on Dec 5, 2011 10:46 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
About bloody time
Still makes no sense why he is HoF worthy now, but he “wasn’t” 10 years ago, but whatever. Glad he’s in.
I'm rec'g just about every post in this thread
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by BeerCub on Dec 5, 2011 10:49 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
I truly believe Ron did not care about the HoF
While he may have wanted to be inducted earlier in life, the Cubs retirement of his number ceremony gave him his HoF. Santo already knew the low chances of an induction when he stated at Wrigey, “This is my Hall of Fame.” Although an induction into the HoF would have made him happy, he was at peace. While slightly discontent with the actions of the Veterans Committee, Santo’s induction permanently immortalizes him as a baseball great. As far as I’m concerned, Ronny knew this when his number flew as a flag at Wrigley.
Viva la Cubs Révolution!!!
by Chanman25 on Dec 5, 2011 10:50 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
I think he cared about it before
I think the first year that the living HOFers voted and no one was elected, Santo had the media at his house and expected to get in. I think he stopped caring after 2 votes of nobody being elected.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 10:53 AM CST up reply actions
I texted my wife at work with the news
She works at our local public library and said “I was weeding books in the baseball section today. Must have been a sign.”
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 10:50 AM CST reply actions 2 recs
about time
congrats to Ronnie and I am sure he is smiling from above
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 5, 2011 10:51 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
Finally
Congrats to the Santo family. A bittersweet day, but a great day none-the-less.
by Tangled Up In Blue on Dec 5, 2011 10:53 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
GREAT NEWS for Ron, the Santo Family & all Cubs fans
Cried this morning on the way to work when Dan Patrick announced the news on his radio show. Just a great day for us all who wanted this for so long with bittersweet feelings that Ron can’t be here to enjoy this as well.
Taking my 8 year old with me to Cooperstown, summer 2012. WILL BE THERE WITH YOU ALL.
by JFCubFan on Dec 5, 2011 10:55 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
you know
I am not a good enough writer to truly express how I feel. But waking up this morning to multiple text and email all it did was bring be back to the day he died. I found out the same way multiple text and email.
Santo got in to the Hall, great. Sadly the voters were most likely voting on the pressure and guilt of it. As great as this is I will choose to remember Ron Santo for what he did for people off the field. Everyone I know that has met and been with Ron has nothing but amazing things to say about the man.
Ron had his faults as a broadcaster but those are far outweighed by the incredible human being he was and the millions he raised for JDRF.
Congrats to a true Cub. If/when the Cubs ever win the WS lets all hope there a guys like him on that winning team.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
by Hammer on Dec 5, 2011 10:58 AM CST reply actions 3 recs
I said this when Willie Stargell passed away; paraphrasing for Ronnie because it definitely applies to him as well
Ron Santo was a much much better human being than he was a ballplayer…
…and he was one helluva ballplayer.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Dec 5, 2011 11:04 AM CST up reply actions 8 recs
Well said, Ballhawk.
IF IT TAKES FOREVER!!
by Cubfansince1957 on Dec 5, 2011 11:47 PM CST up reply actions
the type of guy Ricketts seems to be
I feel hee is going to make this extra special for us and his family in some way and I look forward to it.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Finally!
See the Cubs 2012 schedule at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/sched2012.html
Also see what old Cubs Scorecards looked like at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/scorecards.html
by kaseyi on Dec 5, 2011 11:00 AM CST reply actions 12 recs
all the Cubs fans at the HOF ceremony should do this when he is announced :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Can I sit this one out?
While my heart says that would be cool, my brain says that I’d end up in the hospital.
♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫
Great day.
Interesting you chose that photo, Al. I know it was to show a joyous image, but Ron’s heal-clicking in 1969 might have cost him some HOF votes with vets in the past.
Yes, I knew that when I chose the photo.
That’s really too bad if people felt that way. It was a sign of exuberance and happiness, not showing up opponents.
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by Al Yellon on Dec 5, 2011 11:04 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Holy Cow
If HOF Veterans were mad about heel-clicking, what would they think of today’s ballplayers?
I think some of the HOF Vets thought like Mike Schmidt spoke – I don’t think anyone else should be added.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 11:12 AM CST up reply actions
Schmidt wrote an AP column encouraging people to vote for Kaat
I am growing to hate that guy more and more
"It's all in the game, yo"
From the Heavens
I hope there is a terrible thunderstorm the day of Santo’s induction ceremony. Right over Cooperstown. The Wrath of Ron Santo.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 11:25 AM CST up reply actions
I hope he loses his mustache in a tragic hair-dryer incident
He is no longer worthy of having a mustache
"It's all in the game, yo"
But no one back then did anything that could be seen as showing up the opposition.
Ron’s heel-clicking seems tame today, but to some it was the equivalent of moon-walking around the bases after a home run today.
And on another topic – I’ve heard that when Mike Schmidt grumbles, an angel gets its wings.
I heard that Mike Schmidt sits down to pee
"It's all in the game, yo"
by Worf on Dec 5, 2011 11:38 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
The Hall of Fame confuses me
So if you are not voted in when first eligible you can be 30 years later?? Yeah that makes a lot of sense.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
by Hammer on Dec 5, 2011 11:06 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
You have to create safeguards
because the process is determined by idiot, bourbon-soaked, marinara-stained writers
"It's all in the game, yo"
Could I get a low fat option instead of the marinara?
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 11:13 AM CST up reply actions
Have you seen many sportswriters?
Their definition of low-fat is putting only a half-stick of butter on each individual slice of garlic bread.
"It's all in the game, yo"
Marinara by itself isn't bad
It’s the cheese and pasta that goes with it.
John Grabow - Who will pay you $4.8 million in 2012?
You and I are on the same page today, Worf.
I’m glad I’m not the only one reacting with more anger than joy.
Sanborg!!!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 12:02 PM CST up reply actions
I do whatever the picture commands
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
Better late than never
Congrats, #10.
by Jody Jody Davis on Dec 5, 2011 11:07 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
YEAH!!!!!!!
I had to come here as soon as I saw this on ESPN. About damn time. Sorry that Ron is not here to accept.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
by vonde6 on Dec 5, 2011 11:17 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
It's time to admit that the whole idea of a "veteran's committee" is just a stupid incestuous idea and just change/limit the voting to people NOT IN THE HOF that actually have some connection to the era of the players on the ballot.
What we currently have now is basically just a glorified Frat council selecting which freshmen get in. THANK YOU SIR, MAY I HAVE ANOTHER?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 11:18 AM CST reply actions
The Veteran's Committee has been questionable for quite awhile.
Frankie Frisch used it to get many of his friends in and most did not deserve it.
John Grabow - Who will pay you $4.8 million in 2012?
Bingo
And when you count the finanical incentives to be a Hall of Famer — memorabilia sales; speakers fees; overall interest in career — it’s old boys taking care of their own.
"It's all in the game, yo"
Yes, it exists everywhere.
I see it all the time in the business world too. I can’t get overly excited about it.
John Grabow - Who will pay you $4.8 million in 2012?
YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!
I will be making my plans to be in Cooperstown in July…wouldn’t miss it. While I understand the feelings of the posters who are emphasizing the “bitter” more than the “sweet”, due to the fact that Santo’s induction should have occurred before his passing, my prevailing emotion is happiness—-#10’s day finally arrived.
Wonder who will give his induction speech?
Wonder if one of Ronnie’s “gamer” hairpieces will be on display in the artifacts section?
Hopefully it's the one that caught fire at Shea
and next to it, the HoF has one of those interactive panels where visitors can press a button and hear the “play by play” commentary from that game’s broadcast.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Vicki Santo will give the speech.
That was revealed on a conference call about 1/2 hour ago.
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by Al Yellon on Dec 5, 2011 11:46 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Hope it's declined
Ron said many times that he didn’t want to be elected to the HOF posthumously. I pray that his family honors his wishes. If they couldn’t elect the greatest third baseman who ever played the game while he was alive then his wife should tell them where they can stick it. And why wasn’t he elected before this? Because he clicked his heels after each Cubs win. How stupid and childish is that? Maybe his wife will go to the ceremony and tell the petty morons to their faces why she is declining the “honor.” When his number was retired Ron said “This is my Hall of Fame.” That says it all.
While I agree with your feelings...
…I don’t agree with your methods.
Declining is just as petty as keeping him out due to a heel click. Better to go there and prove that he deserved it all along. Maybe even make some subtle but clear jabs to make it clear that the process is screwed up and other people shouldn’t have to go through what Ron and his family did. With his JDRF works, Santo worked tirelessly to help people through tough times and hopefully not have to endure what he did. This is an opportunity to do the same with fellow players who haven’t received their due.
By declining, the Santo family would be honoring Ron’s wishes. How is that being petty?
by bricksandivy on Dec 5, 2011 11:30 AM CST up reply actions
Do you have any belief that they will decline?
Not what you hope or want right now, but what you really think will transpire. Any CHANCE they don’t accept? I don’t.
Regardless of the people or process, he is going to be enshrined among the greatest of all time in his profession. IMHO, declining because of how he got there is not the way to react when given something he clearly wanted very badly. I think his wishes were discussed in the aftermath of his denials, when he was most hurt and angry. In the end, he loved baseball and declining would be a slap to baseball when he really had a problem with certain guys and the process.
by JCD on Dec 5, 2011 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
BASEBALL NEEDS A SLAP THEN.
Baseball has allowed “certain guys” to fuck up whats supposed to be something good, fair and transcendent for a long time now. And I’m not just talking about the HOF.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 11:42 AM CST up reply actions
It will sure as Hell make me an SWL feel better
And that’s as good a reason as any to do something
"It's all in the game, yo"
Some integrity being displayed....for a change.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 11:45 AM CST up reply actions
Actually, late in his life Ron softened that stance.
I remember reading this within the last couple of years, but I cannot find a link right now.
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I understand, but...
…I will guarantee that this will be the largest attendance at the HOF induction in the history of the hall.
He meant that much to that many people.
This is about more than him at this point.
It’s about making all those scum sucking HOF members on that stage feel 1 inch tall.
It's 106 miles to Chicago...
I respectfully submit...
that they might just think about not showing up at all…and just have an empty chair on the stage. Let them introduce/announce Ron Santo as the newly elected member of the HOF…and then let every single Cub fan/ Baseball fan that came to pay their respects to him get up and walk out to complete silence. They basically ignored Ron Santo as a serious candidate for their super awesome HOF for the better part of 2 decades, let them experience some of that for themselves for a change.
I know this won’t happen, but still…
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 11:26 AM CST up reply actions
As above, I agree with sentiments...
…but don’t think it does anything but validate the dopes who kept him out (“Look what a disruptive force he is to this great institution”)
They are granting the family a forum. Use it to point out the wrong and campaign that it not happen to anyone else. Ask if he was more worthy this year than two years ago. Ask Schmidt, Morgan, Perry how their contributions off the field changed lives for millions or how they became the voice of a generation (or two) for their team on the radio. There would be ways to get the points across and rub their noses in it without running away.
Wait??? GAYLORD FUCKING PERRY WAS AGAINST SANTO GETTING IN??????????????
Are you kidding? A jackass whose only claim to fame was actually CHEATING!!! And not amphetamines. Not steroids. Actual, IN THE FREAKING RULE BOOK CHEATING!!!!!
Are you people TRYING to give me a stroke today????
"It's all in the game, yo"
by Worf on Dec 5, 2011 11:38 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I suspect JCD is making it up as Morgan said Santo deserved to be in.
Schmidt is the only one I remember saying anything.
John Grabow - Who will pay you $4.8 million in 2012?
Morgan flip flopped about 5 years ago when public pressure began to mount.
Perry came out and said he objected to the heel click as a show up.
Schmidt is on record as well, i believe
Well, Perry is full of it if he believes that.
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Well said above
Gaylord fucking Perry who is best known for overtly cheating in the game objects to something Ronnie did after a game. What a class act.
Schmidt, well his name says it all. Great player but what a bag of dicks.
Just win the next game...!
My suggestion is more likely to happen than your suggestion.
Nobody is going to “call out” any of those people in the acceptance speech. It’s going to be the same old “heart-felt” retrospective tinged with bittersweet overtones that culminates in some kind of forced inspirational send-off.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 11:39 AM CST up reply actions
For sure...
It will be a celebration of his life, as we saw last year.
Agree that it would never get personal, but I would not be shocked to see some references to the process and hoping that others don’t have to wait until it’s too late to be honored. That could be done without making a mockery of the institution or ceremony. Think of how Sandberg railed on the state of the game without really saying it. He’s no Rhodes scholar, but he was able to use the forum given to him and get his point across.
I would imagine there will be some references to the process in the speech.
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She should read Mark Antony's "Friends, Romans, countrymen..." speech
I bet that would give her a few ideas on how to refer to those “honourable men”…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
She'd be smart to get a few pointers from Ryno
A snippet with poignancy would be:
If this validates anything, it’s that learning how to bunt and hit and run and turning two is more important than knowing where to find the little red light on the dugout camera.
The tone in which Ryno spoke, spoke in volume. Citing this everyone on the planet that followed baseball knew exactly what he meant and to whom he referenced. It was a beautiful thing.
Just win the next game...!
Awesome news for his family and the entire Cub community.
Finally.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Dec 5, 2011 11:21 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Oh Happy Day!
Finally there is some joy in Mudville!
You deserve this Ronny!
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Dec 5, 2011 11:23 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
I'm clicking my heels!!!!
Congratulations to Ronnie and the entire Santo family. I hope to be at Cooperstown on July 22nd!
by DCCubsFan on Dec 5, 2011 11:29 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Best day ever!!!
Congrats to the Santo family!!!
by jtsurf on Dec 5, 2011 11:35 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
I don't know whether to congratulate anyone
or shake my head that they had to wait until after he died to give him his due.
Sure looks like one final jab at his corpse from here, seeing as how they knew he didn’t want to go in posthumously.
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
The family and possibly Pat Hughes need to be there to accept the award.
After that, every Cub fan at the ceremony needs a sign to let them know exactly how we feel about the tardiness of the award. The family needs to be respectful, we don’t. I wish I could be there. My sign would say something like “ABOUT F’ING TIME SANTO GOT IN”.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
You may not have to
but it’d be a shame if his induction ceremony turned into some kind of protest scene. There’s a time and place for everything, and I’d hope Cubs fans approach it with the same degree of respect and reverence as if Ronnie was on stage accepting the award instead of his family accepting it for him.
Outside of that time and place? By all means, shout it from the rooftops.
by Orval Overall on Dec 5, 2011 11:57 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
me too
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Dec 5, 2011 12:05 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed however carrying a sign, a home made sign
and not some commercial piece of shit, saying, “it’s about time” without any profanity would seem just fine to me.
Just win the next game...!
Man I am in my class almost in tears
I got the text and shouted out load and the teacher said something goo happened. Well reading all of this could set me back on my homework but it will be well worth. I feel the anger but I still am over whelmed. Now how am I going to convince my wife a trip to Cooperstown next year is needed.
Wait - what were you doing??
shouted out load and the teacher said something goo happened.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
by Hammer on Dec 5, 2011 11:57 AM CST up reply actions 6 recs
I'm totally screaming that the next time I have sex
SOMETHING GOO IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN!
"It's all in the game, yo"
Penelope and Charlize agree
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 12:39 PM CST up reply actions
Its fneny how you take a colpue of mipesleled words and have to act like an asshole
This is a tmie to cbelearte not go and be a splelchecking Asshole
Hey just trying to have a laugh
If I am being an asshole to you that would be the first time for me on BCB.
Sorry you took it that way.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
FWIW
I had to restrain myself from laughing at work
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 5, 2011 12:46 PM CST up reply actions
Lighten up, Francis
"It's all in the game, yo"
by Worf on Dec 5, 2011 12:06 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
wait -- so you're the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Nobody steps on a church in my city!
Author at Acme Packing Company, SB Nation's Green Bay Packers blog.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Dec 6, 2011 11:08 AM CST up reply actions
I think someone
Finally got the joke
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Wonderful news, terrible timing.
Apart from the injustice of awarding it posthumously, it was an terrible injustice that he was teased every two years with the possibility of getting in only to be continually insulted as unworthy. What a rotten thing to endure only to get the honor when it’s too late to enjoy it.
I wouldn’t throw stones at everyone involved in the old process as Ron had more supporters than detractors even from them. But there are a lot of people who stood in the way of this for far too long, and I hope it keeps them up at night.
by Orval Overall on Dec 5, 2011 11:50 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
I have bad news for you...
they sleep like babies. They don’t give a shit about things that require a conscience.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 11:53 AM CST up reply actions
Sorry, I don't agree.
That would prove what, exactly?
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That the HOF has decided to allow itself to become more and more irrelevant.
That letting the inmates run the asylum is both disrespectful and dishonest to both the past members and the candidates who truly deserve a fair chance.
That there are consequences for wrongs.
That the magical “integrity” that baseball and the HOF have habitually trumpeted as being tantamount (Pete Rose) should also matter when it comes to the HOF voters.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 11:57 AM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Then change the process.
Don’t dump on someone who deserves to be honored.
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Who's dumping on someone who deserves to be honored?
Wat?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 12:21 PM CST up reply actions
That was done in the 40's and 50's with Frankie Frisch.
It is what it is. If you don’t like the process then ignore it.
John Grabow - Who will pay you $4.8 million in 2012?
More like the 60s
but yeah, Frankie Frisch (and then Bill Terry) just induced all their old NY Giant teammates.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 5, 2011 12:46 PM CST up reply actions
You are right
it was later with the likes of Chick Haney, Rick Ferrell and many others.
John Grabow - Who will pay you $4.8 million in 2012?
I remember Travis Jackson
getting inducted in 1982 and getting the Sporting News that talked about his induction and what an all-time great he was, going in along with Henry Aaron and Frank Robinson.
I actually believed that Crock O’Crap back then. They were inducting the Orlando Cepeda of the 1930s.
Cepeda was a far better player than Travis Jackson.
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Thanks, this is how problems are solved.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 12:50 PM CST up reply actions
Do you think having the Santo family boycott or disrupt the ceremony
is going to fix anything? What should be fixed anyway? If the players and writers aren’t the right ones to vote, who should vote? The fans? Are you ready for every Yankee to be admitted?
I’m just not sure what you want to have a boycott fix. If anything, you should be happy as it looks like maybe the HOF did something right by eliminating the old committee that elected no one.
John Grabow - Who will pay you $4.8 million in 2012?
Who said anything about disrupting the ceremony?
Leaving quietly or not showing up at all isn’t that distrustful. Your failure to show up to our weekly Monday morning meeting today didn’t disrupt anything, and me leaving silently in he middle of it to take a crap didn’t disrupt it either.
A boycott wouldn’t fix anything, only the actual idiots in charge of the HOF can really make anything (good or bad) happen, and they won’t as long as everyone plays nice and goes along quietly with their little game. And I never once even insinuated that the fans should have a vote.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 1:19 PM CST up reply actions
You didn't but others have proposed
calling the HOF names, dropping the mike in the middle of the ceremony, etc.
I just don’t know what people expect. Anything like this is going to be political. It has been for years. Who should decide who gets voted in? Someone will always get slighted one way or another.
I just don’t see a “fix”.
John Grabow - Who will pay you $4.8 million in 2012?
Thank you for responding with a real opinion. You see the process as hopeless. I understand why you told me to ignore it now.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 1:28 PM CST up reply actions
*edit - distrustful = disruptful
heh
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 1:25 PM CST up reply actions
Describe these "ways".
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 12:22 PM CST up reply actions
I don't know what they are.
Clearly, you are just here to snark at me. Hope you are enjoying yourself.
I don’t know what “ways” would be better. I just know it does.
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You have decided that anyone (or just me) questioning your opinions/statements is snark.
If ANYONE else said something like..
I don’t know what "ways" would be better. I just know it does.
in response to one of your posts…gawd help them. You honestly can’t see how ridiculous that statement is? I’m not “attacking” you or even approaching the “getting personal” line here Al, I’m asking you for some kind of idea of what you consider another “way” that would actually effect change or make some kind of meaningful impact on popular opinion on the current system.
I don’t think I’m alone in rejecting your “I dunno what other ways I’m referring to, but I know they exist.” argument.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 1:01 PM CST up reply actions
Good lord Al, give it up.
You made a statement, you were asked to explain it.
by South Side Expat on Dec 5, 2011 1:14 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
He asked you do describe a comment.
What in the name of heck is snarky about that?
Author at Acme Packing Company, SB Nation's Green Bay Packers blog.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Dec 5, 2011 9:02 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed, Al
Turning it down would be petty. Its about honoring the history of the game long after we’re all gone, and future fans knowing who Santo is. Ron may have said at times that he didn’t want to go in posthumously, but as you said, he softened his stance. Regardless, it was clear that Ron wanted to go into the Hall, and yes, even if it meant after his death. The whole “Wrigley is my Hall of Fame” was nice and all, but the man wanted his plaque in Cooperstown and now he’s got it.
we can find plenty of ways to make sure people know who Ron Santo is without giving money to the HOF.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 5, 2011 10:07 PM CST up reply actions
Thats fine...
… but those who believe that Ron didn’t want the Hall more than just about anything shy of seeing the Cubs win the series are just plain wrong.
that he didn't need it.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 5, 2011 10:05 PM CST up reply actions
You can't turn it down
all you can do is boycott the ceremony.
But don’t do that.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 5, 2011 12:43 PM CST up reply actions
That won't solve anything
It’d just play like sour grapes, like the kid who took his toy and went home.
There are plenty of ways to tear up that system without it being disingenuous to Ronnie’s legacy.
Just win the next game...!
Disagree.
That would just be petty and make them look bad, and, personally, I don’t think Ron would have been happy about that.
Author at Acme Packing Company, SB Nation's Green Bay Packers blog.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Dec 5, 2011 9:03 PM CST up reply actions
Exactly.
♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫
His family
Should do what they want.
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 6, 2011 9:45 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
This is so bittersweet
I’m so happy for Ron’s family but it’s such shame he couldn’t get in earlier.
I dislike the HOF more than I dislike the BCS, but it's close.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I only have abstract hatred for the BCS
Illinois will never even get close enough to get screwed over, so it has no real meaning to me.
"It's all in the game, yo"
My Cowboys kinda got screwed...
and I’m OK with it…but only because we murdered the Sooners.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 12:03 PM CST up reply actions
Should have beat Iowa State
Illinois has 5 or 6 should haves a year. Bring on UCLA in the Hungry Bowl
Yes, they lost a game they should have won, on the road....they missed a field goal...after hearing about a tragic loss of the women's baskteball coach and assistant coach.
Alabama lost a game they should have won, at home….they missed FOUR field goals.
The whole BCS thing is setup so there is a perception of fairness…but whenever there is a situation where teams are in a “dead heat” for a ranked position…they have the old “reputation” argument to break the tie.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 12:20 PM CST up reply actions
You can make a case for either Alabama OR Oklahoma State
But that just is one more reason why College Football sucks. LSU-Stanford; Alabama-Oklahoma State. Winners get the championship game.
Or, cancel the freaking game and give it to LSU already. Either one would work for me.
The human polls are beyond belief. Air Force coach had OK St. fifth. Others had them fourth.
And seriously, fuck Virginia Tech.
I’m getting mad again. Maybe Josh is right…
"It's all in the game, yo"
That was outrageous
about Virginia Tech. Everyone says Boise State doesn’t play a tough enough schedule, yet their schedule was tougher than Va. Tech’s. They lost one game to a top 20 team because of a late fumble and a missed field goal. (Admittedly, BSU’s FG kicker is awful.) VT got blown out three times.
Not only that,
But Virginia Tech, who lost 38-10 in the ACC Championship, is going to be playing Michigan in the Sugar Bowl. Yes, you read that right. The same Michigan team that Michigan State beat rather convincingly. The same Michigan team which has a quarterback who armpunts several times during a game.
If you want teams in that game, make it something like Boise State against Kansas State. That has more justification behind it, as both teams rank ahead of Michigan and Virginia Tech in the BCS rankings.
Author at Acme Packing Company, SB Nation's Green Bay Packers blog.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Dec 6, 2011 12:45 AM CST up reply actions
A Michigan team
that got their butts kicked by a pretty average Iowa team. Sorry Hawks.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 6, 2011 10:31 AM CST up reply actions
My sister in Boise is beyond angry
They never get any respect. It is a joke that the finish 7th in the rankings
and play a crappy 6-6 team in worthless bowl.
The bottom is loaded with nice people, Albert. Only cream and bastards rise
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 6, 2011 12:16 PM CST up reply actions
They should just go to the Big East!
Oh wait… they are? Time to think of a new conference name: “The Big Everywhere,” or, “Travel Times Suck”
They're going to be in the Big East
and the Big West at the same time. That’s a neat feat. Also maybe the Western Athletic Conference and definitely the Pac-12 (Wrestling only).
This is what I will put for anyone that is trying to argur for the team they want in.
It is not fair now and it will not be fair if their is a playoff. If there is an 8 team playoff the ninth team would be geting screwed over. It will never fixed at least now one team has to win a Championship game. LSU has to be Alabama if they dont then I will tell them Should have beat Alabama when it counted. I would rather see Ok St. I really like that Offense and the head Coach. Be proud of this team. Illinois sucks all the time.
I say to Boise State should have beat TCU or join the Pac 12, Big Ten, SEC, or Big 12.
The difference being that...
in an 8 team playoff…the 9th team complaining that they got “screwed” won’t really be that big of a “screw”. Getting screwed out of playing for the championship due to some arbitrary voting by some biased coaches is a bit different than being excluded from a playoff bracket because you weren’t quite good enough to be considered one of the 8 best teams.
Yes, the opportunity for unfair situations is still present in a playoff system…but the overall level of unfairness is vastly reduced.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 2:29 PM CST up reply actions
Stupid arguments
I couldn’t care less what the ninth-ranked team thinks. I DO care what the third-ranked team thinks.
As for Boise, if any of the precious big schools had the balls to play them, they’d win more impressive games. Virginia Tech mostly played nobody, lost to the good teams they DID play, and gets to go to the Sugar Bowl.
An 80-year-old man who admits not watching games voted Houston fifth and Ok. State sixth. There’s your precious system.
Now, either take an English class or use spellcheck. BEGONE! WORF HATH SPOKEN!
"It's all in the game, yo"
Agreed. Here's why Oklahoma State should be in the National Championship Game.
Author at Acme Packing Company, SB Nation's Green Bay Packers blog.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Dec 5, 2011 9:05 PM CST up reply actions
You can't lose to Iowa State and make the national championship game.
I don’t care if it’s because your own guy scored for them… it’s not a game you can rebound from.
Wow...lose to the wrong team and you're automatically disqualified from contention?
Really?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 6, 2011 12:23 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah.
Let’s disregard all the quality wins Oklahoma State had this year.
Author at Acme Packing Company, SB Nation's Green Bay Packers blog.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Dec 6, 2011 12:26 AM CST up reply actions
In my opinion this year is one of the biggest argument for some sort of playoff.
Even if it’s just the top 4 with the first 2 games being given to 2 of the new years day bowls (alternating which bowl got to be them every year) and the championship a week later.
So #4 would play #1 in one bowl and #2 would play #3 in another one with the winners playing each other a week later.
I love college football although the day my team (Northwestern) wins the national championship is even more of a 7th sign than the Cubs winning the series.
Although if you told me 25 years ago they’d go to 5 straight bowls and 6 wins in a season would be considered a bit of a letdown I would have asked you to share with me what you were smoking.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Dec 6, 2011 11:45 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
a playoff will still screw over teams in the NCAA
Come on Stanford gets in but Boise State. Next year Michigan get screwed then we get rid of it in 3 years when someday from the SEC gets screwed. I cant stand college football. But I still watch unfortunately.
On the contrary...
the BCS voters desperately want to see it.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 12:29 PM CST up reply actions
Only to save their bacon
I’m pulling for LSU to destroy Alabama (although I don’t think it will happen) just to hear the criticism for OSU not making it. Not that it will change anything.
I'm pulling for Alabama to miss 5 field goals this time....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 12:32 PM CST up reply actions
OK, but I still want them to have a really shitty game.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 2:30 PM CST up reply actions
I just wish the BCS would make up its mind
Either just identify the top two teams for the championship game (and let the rest of the bowls fend for themselves like the old days)…
OR
identify the top 10 teams for the 5 big bowls; 1 vs 2; 3 vs 4; etc.
This “identify the top two and then come up with all sorts of BS eligibility rules for at-large teams and wimpy conference winners” is a carlos silva load of crap.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
You assume it was well thought out
It was an idiotic system that has been tweaked as they go. It is a patchwork, hence all those rules.
By definition, the BCS has to keep the ACC and Big East happy, since they are all partners.
Within the current system, the best fix is to go to a plus one (1 vs. 4; 2 vs 3) and a championship game. Yeah, team #5 gets screwed (And it would be ugly this year, because Stanford is over Oregon and Oregon kicked the holy hell out of Stanford) but better #5 than #3.
Those three games could be in three bowls. The other bowls (Add Cotton to the mix) would (in a perfect world) have to play 5 vs 6 and 7 vs 8, but they could also respect bowl affiliations as well.
"It's all in the game, yo"
Oh Brother,
you said a mouthful. Rarely do you see an entity spin themselves into this much of knot trying to defend their own self-interests, while trying to appear that they’re not.
by Damen Jackson on Dec 5, 2011 3:02 PM CST up reply actions
Yes you do...
Politicians, Lobbyists, and Unions spend most of their time doing this very thing.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 3:04 PM CST up reply actions
all the while spending a shit-pot-full of money doing so
These dumbasses could have fixed this years ago and have a 2-round or 3-round playoff and would have generated – here it comes again – a shit pot full of money in doing so.
Just win the next game...!
But why should they?
Nobody is going to force them to do this. The past and current system has always served it’s purpose. It’s allowed the $ to be funneled to places the system wants it funneled to while always trying to put up the facade of “working to perfect an imperfect system”.
As long as the major players get their turn at the trough often enough, the playoff system will never happen in College Football.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 3:30 PM CST up reply actions
Guess that's where I get lost
…funneled to places the system wants it funneled…
Always thought where it wants it would be the NCAA coffers. How could an 8-team 3-tier playoff not do that?
Doesn’t matter a whole lot to me. I don’t have a horse in that race.
Just win the next game...!
You honestly think the BCS Mafia wants Bosie State to get any of THEIR MONEY?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 6, 2011 10:47 AM CST up reply actions
If they want to get increased TV viewership they would
America loves underdogs & the unsung hero characters. And America is getting increasingly incensed with the ‘alleged’ behaviour at Penn State & Syracuse.
If they were smart they’d do things to enhance their image. One way to do this is to showcase these teams. Sure Boise St would get a big chunk at first, but the NCAA stands to win in the long term if they increase their overall revenue stream.
Just win the next game...!
A Wild NCAA Appears!
Blackhawk24 used Logic.
It’s not very effective.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 6, 2011 1:31 PM CST up reply actions
The problem is that Boise State doesn't travel like a Michigan or V Tech
It’s the sad truth as to why those teams get in over more qualified teams.
It’s hard to fill that stadium when the national championship game is right there a week later.
Yet BSU sold out all their tickets to the Fiesta Bowl
both times they went.
Mostly, this is about risk-adverse bowls wanting to stick with what they know.
Agreed...
You’ll be hard pressed to find a coaching or media voter for AP or the coaches poll who doesn’t want that game.
by Damen Jackson on Dec 5, 2011 3:04 PM CST up reply actions
I have a tough time deciding who to root for because one of my best friends is a LSU alum and another one is an Alabama alum and I know if their teams weren’t in the game and Northwestern was they’d root for my Cats.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Dec 6, 2011 11:47 AM CST up reply actions
just glad I dont care about college sports at all
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
This is awesome, not just for the Santo
family, and all Cub fans, but hopefully this opens up the Hall for other players who dominated their position for an extended period of time, in other eras, who’ve been overlooked or compared to statistics of the past 20 years.
What a great start to the week.
may addition by subtraction be real
by N Oakley on Dec 5, 2011 12:04 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I like this
but hopefully this opens up the Hall for other players who dominated their position for an extended period of time, in other eras, who’ve been overlooked or compared to statistics of the past 20 years
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Exactly. Ronnie didn't have quite the power of
a Ken Caminiti, Alex Rodriguez, or Matt Williams, but hey, they didn’t either.
may addition by subtraction be real
Congratulations to the Santo family...I hope they'll be able to enjoy this for him.
…good things happen all the time to families after a loved one passes on…marriages, births and so on. The Santos’ have every right to accept this in honor of Ronnie as just one of the many things they have to be proud of him. He has a wonderful family that will continue to grow, has done tremendous work for diabetes that hopefully will someday find a cure, and has had an awesome career in baseball which he will be remembered for forever and not only by Cubs fans.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Dec 5, 2011 12:05 PM CST reply actions 9 recs
Lots of angry talk about boycotting or walking out or the like.
Here is a comment to a friend’s facebook post congratulating the Santo family on the election – “Minnie Minoso deserves to be elected over that self promoting blow hard.” We are here as Cubs fans and we recognize Ron’s greatness as a player, a broadcaster, and a tireless advocate for diabetes research. Not everyone sees the same thing – that’s pretty obvious because he was elected to the HoF today instead of decades ago. Standing up and walking out or boycotting the induction ceremony just plays into the misconception. The induction ceremony is a perfect forum to tell those “idiot, bourbon-soaked, marinara-stained scumbag writers” that they made a huge mistake years ago. It is also a good place to tell the other HoF “powers that be” to get their heads out of their rectal orifices and quit screwing around. Boycotting or leaving an empty chair or walking out leave too much to interpretation. While symbolism is great, standing up and saying the words “you have all behaved like idiots and morons and made a good man wait too long and you should all be ashamed” leaves no room for misinterpretation. Subtly is overrated.
Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living. ~Alvin Dark
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel, 1981
Random thoughts
I’m glad his family has the satisfaction of him being in. They said they didn’t care, and I believed them, but it is better to not care with him being in. No doubt they will handle his induction with the same class as they did the other public events and tributes since he died. I look at this as another tribute.
This puts Ron Santo’s success in perspective. I remember him as a player. He accomplished what he did because he was a very good 3rd baseman who played for the same team for almost all of his career. Sure he could have raised money for JD, but not on the same scale. As popular as he was along with Pat Hughes, he might never have been a broadcaster either if it wasn’t for his greatest personal achievement. His popularity and chemistry with Pat Hughes elevated Hughes. So, this is a tribute to major league baseball and all of the good or positive things that can come from it.
While the various veteran’s committees are a joke, getting almost all of the votes this time around, IMO, had something to do with the list of candidates. After so many years and following his death, there is an aspect that is similar to why many players elected didn’t get in on the first ballot they are on.
Ron & Harry.....
are lifting a pint or two today, smiling & laughing. So should we all.
by fridrikrinngamli on Dec 5, 2011 12:19 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Maybe as Santo fans we should start an Illinois JDRF fundraiser in Ron's name one last time.
In his name on his induction to the HOF. Show the bastards Ron’s outreach from the grave is still bigger than any current HOF members.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
Congrats to Ron
Too bad he didn’t live to see it.
Maybe Ronnie can rest more easily now.
God bless you, Ron!
I would like Sandberg to give the speech
If anybody would know how to stick to to somebody who has it coming but still do it in a classy, thoughtful way, it’s Sandberg.
My vote is for SenorGato to give this speech....
with an introduction by IvyWalls.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 12:30 PM CST up reply actions
With EasyEd and Worf handling the pre- and post-ceremony coverage for the MLB Network
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
It would have to be R-rated, though.
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Interesting idea.
I wonder who will speak for him?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Already been announced.
His wife Vicki will.
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Cool
"For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love." Carl Sagan
by Cubbiegoon on Dec 5, 2011 12:36 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I certainly wish this would have happened a few years ago, but...
when I loaded up the Tribune website and saw the news all I felt was pure joy.
Now I just gotta put in for the time off to travel to cooperstown.
---AC 00 00 00 - Believe
I hope his family
turns down the “honor” of having him in the hall of fame. He clearly didn’t want to get it after his death. They should respect his wishes. It would call more attention to the awful hall of fame baseball has.
You're going to be disappointed, then
“I can see him sitting on the sofa here and he’d be pumping his fist in the air, saying, ‘Yes, yes,’” Santo’s wife Vicki said Monday from her Arizona home. “We feel he was meant to be there.”
“To have this come after his passing, it just shows you can’t give up,” Vicki said. “I’m a believer in what’s meant to be. I believe he was meant to be in the Hall.”
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 5, 2011 1:19 PM CST up reply actions
Trib article talks about family being overjoyed and process...
Williams said it was a "healthy "discussion and everyone had merits.
"It was nice to see Santo get in," said Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson.
The former Orioles great joked that Gene Michaels, another member of the committee, looked at the numbers of Santo and Ken Boyer and asked him: "How in the world did you get in?"
Know Brooks and Michaels were yes votes. Would love to know who the lone holdout was.
I still think it was an idiot writer
But I’m wondering if the group decided that it couldn’t be unanimous and someone ceremonially voted no.
God, the Hall of Fame is stupid sometimes.
"It's all in the game, yo"
Serious question...
How would you elect players? The writers shouldn’t because they are petty alcoholics. The players shouldn’t because they are slighted by silly heel clicking.
The fans? That would be a disaster with ballot box stuffing. Any sort of thing like this is bound to be political and have flaws. There is no easy answer except have you decide
John Grabow - Who will pay you $4.8 million in 2012?
Glad you asked
Keep it with the media, with the following changes: (I trust the players less than I trust the media)
1) The writers must, within 10 days of making the vote, write a column for their paper or web site explaining hte vote. No more anonymity.
2) Broadcasters, bloggers and other non BBWWA members should be allowed to vote, so long as they explain their votes in whatever forum they use. Increasing the pool of voters cuts down on the clubbishness.
3) Players stay eligible for life. No more dropping out because idiot writers didn’t get their heads out of their ass until a generation later.
4) If a writer votes against a player who received 97 percent of the vote, his BBWWA card is suspended pending a review. If the writer is found to have been a publicity seeking jackass — the writer who voted against Rickey Henderson a while back comes to mind — then his vote is taken away.
"It's all in the game, yo"
I think we should expand the voting beyond the BBWAA
but more voters=fewer inductees. The larger a voting pool is, the less likely you’ll get 75% to agree on anything. That’s why you’ve never seen a US President elected with anything close to 75%. Sixty percent is considered a landslide of historic proportions.
Then add 5)
You have to prove you’ve gone to at least 50 games in any one season. (In other words, still an active reporter covering baseball) to be an eligible voter.
"It's all in the game, yo"
Definitely, some broadcasters should get votes.
They see more games than anyone.
Maybe the living Frick award voters should be allowed to vote.
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They could also use some objective data
not to turn the HOF into the HOStats, but the BBWAA voters could use some value data. No that we are looking at the guy’s whole career, how valuable was he really? How does he compare to other players over history, at his position?
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 1:50 PM CST up reply actions
Right.
If they want to make it a Hall of Statistical Achievement, go ahead and rank players by WAR and put them in that way.
I doubt that’s what anyone really wants.
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Sure
It’s just the Hall of 3000 hits or 500 HRs or 300 wins. But it’s not the Hall of Statistical Achievement.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 3:59 PM CST up reply actions
Clearly you're just here to snark at Al.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 4:02 PM CST up reply actions
I just have a case of the Mondays
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 4:06 PM CST up reply actions
not really...
3000, 500 and 300 are only considered HOF milestones because that’s the point where the bulk of HOF’ers that were considered ‘locks’ in those respective skill sets ended up. Now, considering you can’t take a dead-ball era player and exclude him from the HOF because his HR #‘s aren’t anywhere near the 500 mark is obvious…but the point is, the player’s production NEEDS to be above what his peers produced in order to even be considered HOF worthy.
More goes into HOF consideration than simple #‘s, yes, but NOTHING else can begin to go into HOF consideration unless the #’s are somewhere above his peers in the first place.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 4:27 PM CST up reply actions
And what are those Stats?
All the ones that the baseball writers focus on in their columns.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 4:35 PM CST up reply actions
I found this while checking the benchmarks
Thus far, all eligible players who accumulated either 500 home runs (with the exception of Mark McGwire) or 3,000 hits during their careers have made it into Cooperstown. So, too, have all pitchers with 300 or more wins. Few people have objected to the use of such benchmarks when evaluating the credentials of potential Hall of Famers. As a result, nary a word was spoken when Phil Niekro, who posted 318 victories over the course of 24 major-league seasons, was elected to the Hall of Fame by the members of the BBWAA in 1997. This, despite the fact that Niekro had only two dominant seasons and also lost 274 games.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 4:28 PM CST up reply actions
Well, sure.
Those are the benchmarks where people say, “He’s in.”
That doesn’t mean you HAVE to reach those benchmarks to get in.
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Nope, but you had better be damn close...
or have some kind of injury/missed playing time rational for coming up short, be a middle infielder or be some kind of superstar with the glove/arm/feet. Guys with 280 HR’s and 2300 hits don’ t make the HOF.
heh.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 4:56 PM CST up reply actions
And that's where a stat like Defensive WAR would be useful
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 7:08 PM CST up reply actions
Man a Hall of WAR would be so awesome.
I bet the HoWAR would be smart enough to elect Ron Santo.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Seeing as how Edwin Starr has passed on, will Bruce Springsteen play at the induction ceremonies?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
This is baseball and money
The Induction ceremony will have a tie in with the latest release of the God of War playstation game.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 4:40 PM CST up reply actions
As I've always said
Ron Santo was a better player than Brooks Robinson.
Boyer was pretty similar to Robinson. He didn’t get more support because he died so young and wasn’t around to campaign for it.
While not necessarily a HOF'er
Boyer was a very good player that has been forgotten. As you said maybe because he died early.
John Grabow - Who will pay you $4.8 million in 2012?
Yes
His brother Clete seems more remembered. Clete was one of the all-time great gloves in the game, but he couldn’t hit much at all. But he’s remembered because he was on the final teams of the Yankees 1947 to 1964 dynasty. Ken was almost as good as a glove (and all-time great in his own right) but could also hit.
Except that Brooks Robinson had a 23 year career
Compared to 13 for Santo and 15 for Boyer. Tack on the 2 WS titles and other post-season play and it’s easy to see how Robinson got voted in ahead of Santo and Boyer.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 1:39 PM CST up reply actions
As I wrote
… in my Baseball Nation article on Santo, I think Robinson’s postseason heroics helped get him in.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Agreed
The 1970 World Series made Robinson a shoo-in. Being linked in the public’s mind with his “brother” Frank didn’t hurt either.
Yeah
Length of career counts for something. But it’s been valued too much in the past. Robinson spent the last six or seven years of his career being a below average hitter and a guy who won Gold Gloves based on his reputation from ten years earlier.
And unfortunately, that's the stuff that counts with the writers
“Well, we kept giving this guy Gold Gloves, year after year. How do we not vote him into the HOF?”
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2011 1:47 PM CST up reply actions
Yes.
Hell yes.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Dec 5, 2011 1:11 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
And on ESPN
they replaced the “Breaking News” of Santo getting inducted with “Brett Farve would listen if the Bears called him.”
Some things never change.
BARF
Author at Acme Packing Company, SB Nation's Green Bay Packers blog.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Dec 5, 2011 9:07 PM CST up reply actions
Thank Goodness
Way to late as we all have stated. I wish his family well and they accept this honor. Ronnie is and always be the" Cubs"
I to can’t stand what certain writers or former HOF members did to him in the past, but that doesn’t help one bit.
Enjoy it in heaven Ronnie, well deserved.
by Grockcubs on Dec 5, 2011 1:51 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
As a Cardinals fan, let me say:
1. I hate your team and everything about it.
2. This is long, long overdue. Ron Santo was probably the most deserving person not in the HOF – in other words, probably the biggest snub in HOF history – until today. It’s a shame that his induction is posthumous, but I’m glad it finally happened. Congratulations to Ron, wherever he may be, and to his family.
by nycbirdo on Dec 5, 2011 1:53 PM CST reply actions 6 recs
Thanks for the kind words
and we hate your team too. But I love that we can both be civil about it.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 5, 2011 1:55 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
One of the nicest things I heard today was from a diehard Sox fan.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Dec 5, 2011 5:41 PM CST up reply actions
Nice of you to say.
Thanks.
♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫
justice after all
There is justice in ths world after all. Ron Santo was my favorite player when I started watching the Cubs in the 1960’s. My wife and I really loved listening to Ron on WGN. I just love it that it finally happened even though he isn’t here to celebrate with us today. What great news.
wccubfan
by wccubfan on Dec 5, 2011 2:22 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Most days during the off-season, the marquee at Wrigley Field is overrun with scrolling ads. Not today though...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Dec 5, 2011 2:27 PM CST reply actions 14 recs
THAT is a really cool picture
Help bring Boys of Spring The Movie to life!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1742828131/boys-of-spring-the-movie
That pic brought tears to my eyes
I want to be happy for Ronnie, and I am, but can’t help but feel a twinge of bitterness over the whole thing. I wish I didn’t but I do. I guess life isn’t always fair and nobody seemed to understand that better than Ronnie. He never let all of the unfair trials and tribulations life threw his way get him down. His ability to stay upbeat was nothing short of remarkable and I guess that’s the attitude we should all take away from him today. Appreciate what you have and don’t obsess over what you don’t have. Ron Santo is a Hall of Famer and late in coming or not, that is as it should be.
I’m not a religious man, but I’ve never hoped for an afterlife more than today, because that would mean Ronnie knows he finally made it.
by qccub on Dec 5, 2011 4:20 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I was thinking the same thing...
I don’t believe in heaven, but this is one of those days when I dearly hope that I’m wrong. I’d love to believe that Ronnie’s up there somewhere smiling and even clicking his heels about this…
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Dec 5, 2011 7:14 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Great picture! Thanks for sharing that!
It’s beautiful.
♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫
Bout damn time!!!!!!!!!
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
OK Cubnation it's time we do our part
We need to make the pilgrimage to Cooperstown on Induction weekend in July (like we did for Ryno in 2005) and occupy Cooperstown! {DISCLAIMER: Not affiliated in any way with any political movement or party.}
Proud member of the Lee Elia 15% club!
Better Late Than Never Is Still Too Late
A good post, Al, but as you say, bittersweet. No one on the planet would have enjoyed the news more than Ron, and he’s not here for it.
AlaskaFan
"Year after year after year after year . . . . . after year after year after year . . ." - Steve Goodman, "Dying Cub Fan's Last Request"
by AlaskaFan on Dec 5, 2011 3:05 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
An emotional day
Santo was my favorite Cub as a kid, I remember going to Wrigley to see him play. Reading the headline in the Tribune today brought a big smile to my face, followed by a few tears. His place in Cubs history was cemented a long time ago, now his lore belongs to all of major league baseball too. Well done Ronnie!
http://www.drinkatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/TEAM-OLBO.jpg
by eamus-catuli on Dec 5, 2011 3:14 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
My first reaction, was “Fuck them.” Why did they have to wait until he died. But if it was a completely different committee, I’ll have to reconsider. But the previous committee can still go to hell.
Go State!
It was a completely different committee.
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Reality check: the cost of lodging in Cooperstown July 20-23, 2012
Yikes. After doing some calling, I discovered interesting information about lodging in Cooperstown July 20-23, 2012.
If you plan to go, most Bed & Breakfasts in the ‘downtown’ area either
a. have no rooms available (and laughed when I asked)
b. require a 3-night minimum stay
c. charge between $450-$700 per night
Rooms are scarce at best. The HOF has already reserved most of the rooms themselves for returning HOFers and their families.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion? (Now #8452 in the Cubs Season Ticket Wait List...)
Isn't that nice.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 3:48 PM CST up reply actions
Well
… you can stay in Oneonta, Utica, Syracuse or Albany, but then you’re going to have a long drive to get to Cooperstown. And it’s virtually impossible to park anywhere nearby — I found that out in June 2008 when I tried to go to the rained-out Hall of Fame Game involving the Cubs (which was supposed to be the last one).
That weekend drew about 1/3 of the people that are supposed to come for an induction ceremony.
Good luck… I’m considering it, too, but it is not an easy thing to do.
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OCCUPY COOPERSTOWN!!!
I’m sure there’s some sort of public park or village square nearby…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
If you can swim, there's a lake we can occupy.
God to Noah: “How long can you tread water?”
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion? (Now #8452 in the Cubs Season Ticket Wait List...)
I’m lucky have a friend who lives 5 minutes away that already has emailed me to say “looks like we’ll see you in July!”
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Dec 5, 2011 5:43 PM CST up reply actions
Will they allow 10,000 Cubs fan to set up pup tents in their backyard?
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion? (Now #8452 in the Cubs Season Ticket Wait List...)
They actually have a nice sized farm but not sure if they are welcome to that many visitors.
THey put me up for Ryno and Andre.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Dec 6, 2011 11:49 AM CST up reply actions
That is what we did for The Hawk
Syracuse and then a drive to and from the ceremony. Was worth it.
by JCD on Dec 6, 2011 9:05 AM CST up reply actions
I don't think we'll be able to swing it
since we are going to Hundley’s camp in January. We hope to visit Cooperstown when we are in AZ.
♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫
As happy as I am that Ron Santo is finally being acknowledged by the Hall of Fame,
the posthumous induction leaves an odorous aftertaste, IMHO.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid. I'm a Sheeple and proud of it!
Spelling and grammar errors are included for creative and artistic reasons.
by eths on Dec 5, 2011 3:53 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
It really did play out like a romantic comedy....only without the romance or comedy.
You could totally see what was going to happen…way before it happened.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Kind of sad isn't it. He would have been so wonderfully happy. That they stole from him.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid. I'm a Sheeple and proud of it!
Spelling and grammar errors are included for creative and artistic reasons.
by eths on Dec 5, 2011 4:29 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Congratulations to all of Cub Nation
Although I live in Southern Ill and root for the Cardinals, I am happy for the Cub family for whst seems like a long overdue honor. Santo was before my time, but the stats don’t lie. Well deserved!
On another note, I just wanted to say as a long time reader of BCB and first time poster, Al, I think you run one of the better SB nation sites going. Always updated and infomative. Great place to learn what the rivals are doing and thinking. Keep up the good work and happy holidays!
by Pork Chop Express on Dec 5, 2011 4:17 PM CST reply actions 6 recs
Thank you for the kind words.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid. I'm a Sheeple and proud of it!
Spelling and grammar errors are included for creative and artistic reasons.
Thanks.
And thank you for stopping by and adding your congratulations. Much appreciated.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Care if we take Pujols off your hands?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I'll tell you what dtpollitt
I’ve always been under the assumption that he would be back one way or another, but the more in a sense “quiet” the market is the more unnerved I get that there is going to be a an offer out there that we just can’t and for that matter shouldn’t match. I still feel kind of leary about the 9/200 or so they initially offered.
It would be hard to see him in the blue pinstripes though. Probably a little easier on your eyes.
I know speculation says the Cubs are not serious contenders and playing the game but what do you think? I’ve always thought where there’s smoke theres fire?
by Pork Chop Express on Dec 5, 2011 4:37 PM CST up reply actions
I actually think
… the Cubs could be real players in the Pujols sweepstakes.
There simply aren’t that many teams that could be. It makes sense on many levels.
At the right price/years, it’s almost a no-brainer.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
How would he look in teal?
The bottom is loaded with nice people, Albert. Only cream and bastards rise
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 6, 2011 12:32 PM CST up reply actions
Ronnie's Second Fondest Wish Comes True
His long-overdue election to the Hall of Fame means that Ron Santo’s second fondest wish has finally come true. His fondest wish was to see the Cubs win the World Series.
"Willie hits one high and deep to right field . . ." -- Vince Lloyd
by 25w.smith on Dec 5, 2011 4:39 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
In Theo We Trust.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Dec 5, 2011 4:52 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Bittersweet for sure
It’s bittersweet for sure but I am happy it finally happened.
Funny thing is I found out from a friend who’s not even a baseball fan. Was in work meeting all day and she brought in snacks and had had the radio on and knowing a couple of us are big Cub fans told us the news.
Luckily it was a break time and I had to go to the restroom because I was a little overcome with emotion to tell you the truth and I was embarassed about crying at work.
I wonder who will give the speech? Maybe Ron Jr. from the family and Billy or Ernie from his teammates?
My mom says the morning show on WGN had his daughter (and Sam’s mom!) on this morning and John Williams had Ron Jr on this afternoon and both were great interviews.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
Already been announced that Vicki Santo will give the speech.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
(Subjective) But Ron Santo Is 20th Player...
to have done HoF worthy play with the Cubs over multiple seasons.
This is a subjective list. I didn’t include players such as Lou Brock, Robin Roberts, Goose Gossage, or Jimmie Foxx because I didn’t feel as if they were HoF worthy with the Cubs. I didn’t include Rogers Hornsby because he only had one outstanding season with the Cubs. I didn’t think Chuck Klein and Ralph Kiner were quite good enough with the Cubs to make the list. You’ll see the likes of Clarkson, Alexander, Sutter, and Dawson on this list, who went into the Hall as members of other clubs. IMO, those four players did enough with the Cubs to where you couldn’t adequately talk about their HoF careers without mentioning their time with the Cubs. Though, you could make good cases that they were better players with other clubs. When Maddux makes it, I’ll put him on this list. Yes, I know he was a better pitcher with the Braves, but he had a lot of good years with the Cubs.
- Cap Anson
- Clark Griffith
- King Kelly
- John Clarkson
- Joe Tinker
- Johnny Evers
- Frank Chance
- Mordecai Brown
- Grover Cleveland Alexander
- Kiki Cuyler
- Billy Herman
- Hack Wilson
- Gabby Hartnett
- Ernie Banks
- Billy Williams
- Ron Santo
- Fergie Jenkins
- Bruce Sutter
- Ryne Sandberg
- Andre Dawson
Good things come to those who wait... and wait....and wait.
To Reiterate
I didn’t want to include players who only did insignificant things with the Cubs. At the same time, I didn’t want to disqualify players just because they might have done more elsewhere.
Good things come to those who wait... and wait....and wait.
Like Ryan Theriot?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 5, 2011 6:10 PM CST up reply actions
SWL-
undoubtedly you’ve caught an oversight there…
There are no facts, only interpretations.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Lets Go Theo!!! 10/13/2011
That looks like an appropriate list to me.
Thanks for compiling it.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Very good list...
…although I have to admit that my first thought was “my how expectations have risen under Theo & Company when Rogers Hornsby doesn’t make the grade as a Cub!” :)
Hornsby
That was a tough call on my part. His 1929 season was one of the best ever for a second baseman offensively. He did that as a Cub. In 1931, he only played 100 games but led the league in OPS. Maybe, if he had played 140 games that season and led the league in OPS in 1931, I would have put him on the list. If I had to add anybody, it would be Hornsby. I wouldn’t argue that strongly with anybody that would want to put Hornsby on the list.
Good things come to those who wait... and wait....and wait.
I wasn't faulting your reasoning...I was just having a chuckle :)
In four seasons on the Cubs, he really only had two season’s worth of games played Granted, his production in those games was remarkable, but that goes with being Rogers Hornsby, I guess. I would tend to agree that he’s not someone you remember as a Cub, even though he wasn’t a bad one. …like Dizzy Dean.
Here’s some trivia. Which former Cubs executive is in another sporrs HOF?
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Dec 6, 2011 6:20 AM CST up reply actions
Nobody has it
Jim Finks who had a short stint with the CUbs front office is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Dec 6, 2011 11:50 AM CST up reply actions
Well deserved just wish
it would have happened when he was alive to enjoy it.
by sue369 on Dec 5, 2011 6:24 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
Attaboy, Ronnie
I fully understand the bitterness being expressed by some here — in fact, this occasion seems like the definition of “bittersweet” — but I fervently hope that Ron’s family (and all of us really) can let that go and just appreciate this well-deserved honor for a true Cub.
"People ask me a lot about the values I got from playing for the Cubs for so many years. The value I got out of it was patience. A lot of people these days are not very patient." -- Ernie Banks
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Dec 5, 2011 6:49 PM CST reply actions
veterans committe
Someone ought to post the names of the veterans committee!
Congrats Ron..wherever u are. We love you man!
We'll be all right if we can just get back on the expressway.-Elwood
I know where he went
He went up there and kicked the shit out of the baseball Gods. Now if he can convince the old guy that the cubs are not the enemy, so lets get a World Series and if not that, don’t let the cardinals win again.
Congratulations to Ron Santo!
This was long overdue, but better late than never. Kudos to the Veterans Committee for finally getting it right.
CORRECTION (If I may?)
“to THIS veterans committee” (no harm intended Jeff) JS2
There are no facts, only interpretations.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Lets Go Theo!!! 10/13/2011
Another Cards fan dropping by to say congratulations to Santo's family and fans,
and it’s a damn shame it took this long for it to happen. Just over a year too late for him to feel the much-deserved respect personally, and way more than a year too late overall.
(Incidentally, I used to be under the impression that he belonged in the “Hall of Very Good” but not the Hall of Fame, but over time I’ve had that notion disabused very strongly by stuff I’ve read both here and at VEB. I’m clearly not qualified to be a HoF voter, but then I’ve never claimed to be; I’m not sure what their excuse is….)
Thank You
Very, very classy move on your part! God Bless
There are no facts, only interpretations.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Lets Go Theo!!! 10/13/2011
Ken Boyer?
I was just curious as to whether you thought Ken Boyer should be in the Hall of Fame.
Good things come to those who wait... and wait....and wait.
He was also "Hall of Very Good" in my mind
Like Santo, his HoF case has been strengthened in my mind by some stuff I’ve read at VEB, although I still don’t think it’s as strong as Santo’s. It would be nice to see him get in, but his exclusion isn’t the same injustice Santo’s was.
by BTown Birds fan on Dec 6, 2011 12:24 PM CST up reply actions
Boyer was a very good player
underrated today, probably because he died so young. (Reputations are often built by showing up on TV and getting lavish introductions). But I agree: Boyer probably falls just a little short of Cooperstown.
Still, if I were a GM in the early 1960s, I’d love to have Ken Boyer on my team.
Wow. Just wow.
After a nearly 12 hr day from hell…I get home to hear this (waaaay late). Tho I’m so so glad it finally happened…I’m so sorry Mr. Santo wasn’t alive to see it. It happened, just as he said repeatedly, he DIDN’T want it to… well, better late than never. God Bless the memories of Ron… I confess, a teary moment for myself. peace. (very cool several “rival fans” have showed up with blessings! :]). JS2
There are no facts, only interpretations.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Lets Go Theo!!! 10/13/2011
Congratulations #10
Did notice that Joe Posnanski put up a post about Ron’s induction: http://joeposnanski.si.com/2011/12/05/ron-santo-hall-of-famer/#more-8601
Congratulations...
… too bad they didn’t award Santo this when he was alive. Santo is one of a small group of Hall Of Famers to have worn both Cubs and Sox uniforms.
Although Ron was with the Sox one season (one that I heard him in a candid moment speak well of the Sox and the then ownership) he of course, and as it should be, will always be known as a Cubs player and fan. I respect him in both regards.
Congratulations Ron, the heart and soul of the Chicago Cubs.
by DrCrawdad on Dec 5, 2011 9:04 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
That would literally never happen, but you can only hope they do that...
because that would be the beginning of the end of the snide assholes that currently run the HOF. The public opinion would crush them.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 6, 2011 12:27 PM CST up reply actions
All I can say is,
Even though it’s long overdue, this is something we should all cherish, not only as Cubs fans, but also baseball fans. The man deserved it, and we should give Santo and his family all due respect.
My only wish is that somewhere, in that Skybox over Wrigley, Ron himself is smiling, clicking his heels and yelling “OH YESSSSS!” at the news. He truly deserved to make it, and even if you don’t like the timing, the fact is he made it into the hall. And that is the most important thing.
Author at Acme Packing Company, SB Nation's Green Bay Packers blog.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Dec 5, 2011 9:10 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
#10
Bittersweet day for cubs nation. Santo finally makes it but is not alive to soak in the honor. He once said he did not want to go in “post-humorously”. #10 you deserved this a long time ago and I hope Jeff brings those prosthetic legs and clicks your heels in Schmidt, Perry, Morgan, and Ryans faces…
by koopdoggydogg on Dec 5, 2011 10:21 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
We can all enjoy
but unfortunately and obviously, Ronnie can’t. Too bad it takes someone to pass in order to get his due. Kind of like a long ago composer or painter. What a frickin’ crock!
"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct
As a painter
I’d like to get the millions my masterpieces are worth now, not when I’d dead. Pleeease. :)
♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫
But you know what?
I’d trade that millions to be remembered forever in a museum in a heartbeat even if it’s after I’m long gone.
♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫
Me too
‘cuz if you’re given the accolades that go with that kind of money, you’ll long be remembered for the good things you did.
Take the money Katie !!
Just win the next game...!
Weird Combo:
Ever wonder how one can be elated and simultaneously P.O.’d at the same time? This is that rare occasion. Congrats Santo family! Shove it HOF!
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money." - Margaret Thatcher
Congratulations to Ron Santo and his family.
I’ve never made a trip to Cooperstown in my life. I think July 22 of next year is the perfect time to make my first trip. That trip will be worth every ounce of gas money spent to see that induction.
July 22, 2012 will be Ron Santo’s finest hour, along with his team, his fans, and his family.
Please for goodness sake, don’t let it rain in Cooperstown on Ronnie’s induction day. Let that sun shine on Ronnie’s plaque.
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!" Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!" Len Kasper: "Oh Baby!!!!"
Ron Santo: "YES!" "All Right! Let's do it!" "Ohhh Nooooo!" "Gee Whiz! Come on!" AND... "This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on Dec 5, 2011 10:43 PM CST reply actions
You'll need to take out a loan apparently. See my post above re: cost of lodging.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion? (Now #8452 in the Cubs Season Ticket Wait List...)
I am already working on my 2014 lodging
A friend generally rents a house nearby and divides it. If that does not work out I have been offered the couch at a friend who works at the HOF. Had since Oct of 08 to think about it.
The bottom is loaded with nice people, Albert. Only cream and bastards rise
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 6, 2011 1:53 PM CST up reply actions
Smart move. Is someone we know going in on the first ballot then? ;)
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion? (Now #8452 in the Cubs Season Ticket Wait List...)
This would be so cool........
I don’t know how to link to it, but……. The Heckler says…… “Santo to return from the grave for Hall of Fame induction just to piss off Mike Schmidt.”
by deadcatbounce on Dec 6, 2011 8:19 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Cubs have just submitted offer for Pujols
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
Al's lying on the masthead
Turns out, SB Nation has only been around since July. So for years he’s been lying about being around for more than six months?
These are the people who decide who goes into the Hall of Fame, people.
I could say something here.
But I have been asked not to. I think you can infer what my opinion is on this decision.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
It is the very definition of short sighted. Al unfortunately I think in some ways the good sites like SB Nation are paying the price for the idiocy of some others.
Unfortunately there are a lot of garbage sites out there including one who based the Cubs were going to trade Garza because he was a free agent after 2012 when a simple check would have said it was 2013.
But then internet sites of all types are out of whack and make the good ones look bad. One of best non sports ones was a site that insisted Will and Kate were expecting because a source said the Queen was excited about becoming a great grandmother. A simple check of facts would have told them that she already is one!
It just amazes me when sites don’t even do a quick fact check! Things easy to find out by simple google.
Al I’m sure you hear a gazillion things and you are discreet about what you post here because you valid your credibility. I think you sit down and think it out and make a good judgement on what to put here.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Dec 6, 2011 11:55 AM CST up reply actions
I don't think they're paying for being a blog so much
as they are paying for the fact that Rob Neyer and Amy Nelson were just hired and that the BBWAA was so clueless that they had no idea that good work was being done here before those two came on board. Or that we even existed before those two came on board. (Not that we aren’t extremely lucky to have them!)
Wait you are not saying anything because someone asked you not to?
I have to try that some time,
The bottom is loaded with nice people, Albert. Only cream and bastards rise
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 6, 2011 12:36 PM CST up reply actions
Doggie, please don't say anything about Crane Kenney, the Cubs' ticket policy and the price of popcorn at movie theatres these days...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Forget the price of the popcorn, the price of MOVIE tickets is crazy
$13 in NYC.
The bottom is loaded with nice people, Albert. Only cream and bastards rise
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 6, 2011 11:36 PM CST up reply actions
That's what you got me here for, Al
But my opinion is that it’s just more proof that the BBWAA is irrelevant to anything.
Soup Club is still waiting to hear back about their application.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 6, 2011 4:17 PM CST up reply actions
soup club is too new
some guy told me soup club started like 3 weeks ago
THEOOOOOOOOO (and Hoyer)
by jesus christos on Dec 6, 2011 4:33 PM CST up reply actions
When I think of the people that run the Hall of Fame,
I think of clueless fat old white Republican men sitting around a fireplace smoking cigars and sipping on sniffers of brandy.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Good to know politics are allowed as long as it's liberal
WTH?
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 6, 2011 7:18 PM CST up reply actions
He shouldn't have said that
but to be fair, the Clark family and the board of trustees at Cooperstown do have deep ties with the Republican Party. Pointing out that fact would be allowed if he had done it in a less argumentative way.
But let’s not go there anymore.
I believe the Clarks own just about everything in the town.
I’d like to reference the in-depth article I read a few years ago (it might have been Slate or NYTimes), but I can’t remember now.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I had not heard any of this.
However, I wish the political comments had been left out.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
They are the heirs to the Singer Sewing Machine fortune
Singer sold out to Clark early in the company’s history. They are the descendants of a 19th Century Robber Baron.
That's it, sewing. I knew it was something odd. I looked on Slate & NYT, I couldn't find that article.
Must have been elsewhere.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
There's a lot on it
In Bill James’ book “The Politics of Glory/Whatever Happened to the Hall of Fame?” (They changed the title for the paperback version.)
Did I tell you I met James, got his autograph and picture with him?
I’ll have to find it. It was my biggest nerd-gasm yet.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Here it is!!!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 7, 2011 4:34 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Oh motherfucker.
Nobody be friends with SWL on Facebook. It’s not worth it.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I wonder why SWL has that photo.
Hmmm.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
We have lots of photos of each other.
…
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Still waiting for that photo of us you were supposed to send me.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 7, 2011 4:50 PM CST up reply actions
You can take it in that room you need to get.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Why can't we do it in the road?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 7, 2011 4:55 PM CST up reply actions
If you haven't read
this it’s great.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Pretty good insight
We’ll be double-digit underdogs, but I’m not so sure we don’t win.
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 6, 2011 9:13 PM CST up reply actions
The BBWAA doesn't run the Hall
it’s run by the Clark foundation. But for some reason they allow the BBWAA to vote who gets in or not.
What I imagine Ron is doing right now...
It's 106 miles to Chicago...
by BDR529 on Dec 6, 2011 4:41 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
???
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 6, 2011 5:16 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
speaking of ronnie
does anyone know if the pass10n shirts that koyie hill designed are ever going to go on sale?
THEOOOOOOOOO (and Hoyer)
They were on sale last year at Wrigley.
Not sure if they’re still offering them or not.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Yep.
As far as I know they were only being sold inside the park. I didn’t see them anywhere else.
♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫
color me disappointed
THEOOOOOOOOO (and Hoyer)
by jesus christos on Dec 6, 2011 9:47 PM CST up reply actions
Hallelujah! ... or Hey Hey!
Al, thanks for leaving this up on the top page for a couple of days. I think it is really nice tribute and would like to see it remain on the top page a few more days.
"The Cubs are due in sixty-two." - #14
It'll stay until there's actual Cubs news...
… instead of incessant Pujols rumors.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Hey speaking of the top page
how ’bout putting up the Cubbie red & blue blinking Christmas lights in “Bleed Cubbie Blue” ??
Just win the next game...!
Oh, man.
Thanks for the reminder. I’ll get that done soon.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
THANK YOU
Now the it’s officially the Christmas holiday season for me and my family. I drive the kids & other family members nuts showing them the front page everyday.
Just win the next game...!
What?
A Pujols rumor?
But seriously, it’s vewwwwy quiet.
10-25-2011. Theo Epstein joins the Cubs. Now, the fun begins.
All I know is...
His WAR from the last two years is in decline from his career peak from 2003-2008.
Someone is going to be seriously overpaying for a whole lot less Albert Pujols.
The Cardinals got the best of him, now it’s probably time for them to move on (if they’re smart).
It's 106 miles to Chicago...
By the time the Cubs are legitimately good
(2014-ish) Pujols and Holliday’s contracts will be sort of large.
10-25-2011. Theo Epstein joins the Cubs. Now, the fun begins.
Ron Santo
I’ve been saying for years that Ron would only be elected to the HOF, posthumously. I certainly picked an awful time to be right. At least he’s not hurting anymore. You’re wrong though, about one thing. He will be at the ceremony and all who loved and/or admired him, will know it.
Mr.Santo should of had this honor long long long ago!!
I have the video “This old Cub” (and,yeah,the T-shirt! ) and it is highly recommended that if you have not seen it you should.
I am really happy for mr.Santo and his family but at the same time I am very disappointed in the powers that be to wait until his passing to vote him in.
I,along with just about every Cubs fan and even some non-Cub fans would of loved to of seen Ron up there at the podium when his name was read out loud.
No doubt he is beaming with pride up in heaven!
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