Ron Santo Quotes

Powerful Ron Santo for Daily Growth

About Ron Santo

Ron Santo (1940-2010), born Ronald Leonardo Santo on October 25, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, was an iconic American professional baseball player and beloved sports broadcaster. Known as 'The Cub,' he spent the majority of his illustrious career playing for the Chicago Cubs, where he earned a reputation as one of the franchise's greatest third basemen. Born to Italian-American parents, Santo developed a love for baseball at an early age. His talent was evident when he was selected by the Cubs in the 1957 MLB draft, making his major league debut on May 8, 1960. He quickly established himself as a key player, earning four Gold Glove Awards (1963-1966) for his exceptional fielding skills. Santo's career was marked by consistent performance and dedication to the game, but he faced numerous health challenges. Diagnosed with diabetes at age 20, he underwent multiple knee surgeries and suffered a heart attack in 1984. Despite these adversities, he continued to excel both on and off the field, including his work as a color commentator for the Cubs from 1990 until his death. In 1977, Santo was inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame, reflecting his pride in his heritage. His passion for baseball and deep connection to the city of Chicago extended beyond his professional life, as he became a beloved figure among fans. In 2011, a year after his passing, Ron Santo was inducted posthumously into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, finally receiving the recognition many felt he deserved during his lifetime. Throughout his life, Ron Santo embodied the spirit of dedication, resilience, and love for the game that continues to inspire baseball fans today. His legacy lives on as a symbol of hope and determination in overcoming adversity.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Baseball is a game best played in a time when a boy can dream big."

This quote suggests that baseball, as a game, holds a unique place in children's lives, serving as an outlet for their dreams and aspirations. The idea of "dreaming big" indicates the potential for growth, ambition, and hope that the game fosters in young players. In essence, Ron Santo is expressing that baseball offers a special opportunity for kids to envision greatness, which can inspire them to work hard and reach their full potential. This sentiment emphasizes the transformative power of sports and the impact they have on shaping the dreams and ambitions of the next generation.


"Hitting isn't about getting a good pitch to hit; it's about putting yourself in position to do damage on any pitch you see."

This quote by Ron Santo emphasizes the importance of being prepared and adaptable as a hitter, rather than just waiting for a perfect pitch. It suggests that a good hitter is one who can make the most of every pitch they encounter, not just those in their sweet spot. In other words, a skilled hitter positions themselves to inflict damage on any pitch, whether it's ideal or not, demonstrating their ability to adapt and exploit opportunities quickly.


"There are three types of baseball players: Those who make it happen, those who watch it happen, and those who wonder what happens."

This quote by Ron Santo highlights the different levels of involvement in baseball (and likely other team-based activities) among its participants. The first group are the proactive ones who create opportunities for success through hard work, skill, and strategy. The second group observes these actions and reacts accordingly, either positively or negatively. Lastly, the third group is left wondering about the outcomes without actively engaging in the process. It's a reminder that success often comes from taking an active role and making things happen rather than just watching or waiting for it to come your way.


"A ballplayer will go through 100 strikes to get one home run. It's part of the game."

This quote by Ron Santo emphasizes the perseverance, determination, and dedication required in baseball, as well as other sports. It suggests that a player is willing to endure numerous failures (in this case, strikes) for the chance of achieving a significant success (a home run). The quote underlines the resilience and mental fortitude necessary to succeed at a high level, conveying that setbacks should not deter one from continuing to strive for their goals.


"Baseball is a simple game: Keep the ball in front of you, throw it where they ain't, and run like crazy when they aren't looking."

This quote by Ron Santo encapsulates the essence of baseball by emphasizing three key aspects - fielding, throwing, and running. * Fielding: The first part ("Keep the ball in front of you") highlights the importance of having good defensive skills and maintaining control over the ball when it comes your way. * Throwing: The second part ("throw it where they ain't") suggests that a good throw should aim at areas where opposing players are less likely to be, thus preventing them from advancing on bases or scoring runs. * Running: Lastly, "run like crazy when they aren't looking" underscores the importance of taking advantage of any opportunities for gaining an advantage over the defense when they momentarily lose focus or attention. In essence, Santo's quote reminds us that success in baseball relies on mastering fundamental skills and using quick thinking and opportunistic plays to outsmart opponents.


I believe very strongly - and I never brought this up as a player - but I put up, I feel, Hall of Fame numbers with diabetes. If I didn't have diabetes - nobody realizes that, when I was diagnosed at 18, even the doctors didn't know what to do about diabetes.

- Ron Santo

Numbers, Very, Brought, Diabetes

Every player had a roommate for out-of-town games, so I had to slip into the bathroom early each morning and secretly take my insulin injection. I feared that if the Cubs found out and I slumped badly, they would attribute it to the diabetes and send me back to the minors - or worse, release me.

- Ron Santo

Badly, Insulin, Feared, Diabetes

I've been a Cub all my life. I came up here when I was 20 years old and spent my whole career here in Chicago. I've always been an optimist; I believe you have to be in order to survive, to be honest with you - in health, with what I've been through. That's the way I am.

- Ron Santo

My Life, Through, Here, To Survive

I'm a Cub fan, and I sit up here and I know when we have a good team, I know when we're struggling, and it affects me just like any other fan, and I just happen to show it on the radio. I can't help it.

- Ron Santo

Here, Happen, Other, Cub

I was diagnosed with diabetes at age 18. I didn't know what it was, so I went to the library and looked it up.

- Ron Santo

Library, Know, Looked, Diagnosed

We're getting closer. I believe a 5-year-old with diabetes will live long enough to be cured.

- Ron Santo

Believe, Enough, Will, Diabetes

I'm the perfect candidate to be affected by SARS. I'm highly susceptible to infections.

- Ron Santo

Perfect, Candidate, Affected, Highly

The last thing I want is to die and then be put into the Hall of Fame. It's not because I won't be there to enjoy it, exactly. It's because I want to enjoy it with family and friends and fans. I want to see them enjoy it.

- Ron Santo

Die, Want, Last, Family And Friends

I think I've inspired a lot of people, and I'm one, if I get a letter and someone's in serious shape, I'll call them. I relate to these people.

- Ron Santo

Think, Shape, I Think, Letter

The last thing I ever thought would ever happen to me was losing my legs.

- Ron Santo

Happen, Last, Ever, Legs

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