Ron Santo Gets Candid

The Sports Bank, NBC5 Street Team

As we are in the midst of another All-Chi City, All-First Place series weekend, emotions are running high on both sides of town. Passion for both the Cubs and White Sox is rising faster than the humidity. One man with figuratively Cubbie blue blood is WGN radio broadcaster Ron Santo, a legendary figure within the organization. His #10 was the third number retired by the Cubs, honoring a stellar Cubs career that included nine All-Star appearances and five Gold Gloves. The current Cubs color analyst is known for many things outside of his playing career, including his unabashed on-air cheerleading and the success he has had in his personal struggle with diabetes during his life. He was named the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation “Person of the Year” in 2002. Two years ago, Santo, the subject of “This Old Cub,” a theatre released documentary film created by his son Jeff, came within five votes of the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee. He is eligible again in 2009. When given the chance to speak with Santo, I got straight to the point and asked him who poses the biggest threat to the Cubs in the National League Central division.

RS: I think it’s going to be the Cardinals. I didn’t think so heading into the season, but you look at what we’ve done being 19 games over .500 and they are just three and half games behind. They’re playing real good baseball, so normally we’d be running away with it if it weren’t for the Cardinals.

I followed up by inquiring why so many teams (not just the Cubs) are dominating at home, but at the same time struggling on the road. Especially considering that the Cubs are a national team with a national following…

RS: Every where we go, there are Cub fans and it’s amazing. One thing I’ve learned being in Chicago since I was eight years old is that Cub fans never lose their allegiance, no matter where they move. But you’re always thinking that if you can play .500 on the road and do real well at home, that’s a winning year. You don’t expect to do better than .500 on the road. You just don’t.

For the full interview click here.

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