In what is likely to be only the first in a series of celebrations of Ron Santo's life all year this season, the Cubs announced today that they will have Ron Santo Day tributes to the late Cubs All-Star and broadcaster before the game on Thursday, March 10 vs. the Cleveland Indians at Mesa. There will be a pre-game ceremony; further details to come.
The Cubs are also going to thank supporters of the referendum that passed last November, allowing the Cubs to begin building a new spring training complex. On Feb. 27 before the game with the Oakland Athletics, the Cubs will have Mesa Little League Day, hosting 400 Little Leaguers and their parents, and including young ballplayers in on-field activities prior to the game.
"We could not have won this election without the support of Little League families," said Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts.
Also, supporters and volunteers for the referendum will be honored at Thank You Mesa Day on March 7 when the Cubs face the Los Angeles Angels. About 250 people who helped on the Proposition 420 campaign will meet with the Ricketts family before the game and be honored in an on-field ceremony, and members of the Mesa City Council will simultaneously toss the game’s ceremonial first pitch.
"Thanks to the voters, we have a lot to celebrate during this spring training season," Ricketts said.
Let's play ball! Nine more days.