Santo voted in

A committee of 16 baseball writers and former players voted Ron Santo into baseball's Hall of Fame by a margin of 94% to 6%, according to the Chicago Tribune. This is long-awaited news, as Santo has been turned down several times. Santo joins Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, and Ryne Sandberg in the hall. Santo was most famous for his heel-clicks after a victory.



The news is somewhat bitter-sweet, however. A year ago this month, Santo died of complications from his long fight with diabetes. It deeply saddens me that he did not live to see himself inducted into the hall. You may remember him saying that the Cubs' retiring his number was far more important to him than the Hall of Fame, but the pain in his eyes every year that he was rejected was so difficult for all of us to watch. How I would have loved to see his eyes light up after getting the call that he was in.



Nonetheless, I am sure that Ronnie is smiling down from heaven now, watching all of his accomplishments be honored at the highest level of baseball accomplishment. Baseball season this year wasn't the same without turning on WGN Radio and hearing Santo's voice. I am happy to know that Santo is finally being recognized, as he was not only one of the greatest baseball players, but he was a kind and gentle soul who did so many great things for diabetes awareness, the City of Chicago, and baseball fans across the country.