Thursday, March 10, 2011
Posted 12:19 p.m.Updated 5:21 p.m.
By Patrick Mooney
CSNChicago.com
MESA, Ariz.As the manager at Triple-A Iowa, Mike Quade would turn to WGN Radio once his game was finished. Like Cubs fans everywhere else, he immediately knew what was going on by the tone of Ron Santos voice.
It wasnt manufactured for the booth, Quade said. (Id) listen to three words out of Ronnies mouth, three groans, and I wasnt sure how bad we were losing, but I knew it wasnt good. And if he and Pat (Hughes) were having fun, then we were in good shape.
They all have stories here about the towering figure that walked around on prosthetic legs and maintained a childlike enthusiasm for the Cubs that wasin Quades wordsexceptional and sincere.
The Cubs began a season-long tribute with Thursdays Ron Santo Day at HoHoKam Park. There was a No. 10 painted behind home plate. The Cubs also wore No. 10 hats during their workout. That matched the patches on their sleeves for their All-Star third baseman and long-time broadcaster, who died last December from bladder cancer.
We hurt for our dad, Jeff Santo said. Theres mixed emotions. Its a great day, seeing that his number and his life will live on for many generations. Its an honor to us, but it also gets overwhelming, too, because we miss him so much.
MLB
Ron would have turned 71 last month, and at this time of year he would get sick of sitting on the couch watching movies.
Every spring it brought a smile, Jeff recalled, because he was ready to come to the park and (see his) second family. That smile and that optimism (he) brought is kind of gone now.
Jeff chronicled his fathers amazing life in the 2004 documentary This Old Cub. He plans to film an update this year, adding footage from the funeral and the statue dedication outside Wrigley Field on Aug. 10.
Now Keith Moreland has to replace a legend in the radio booth. Jeff endorsed the choice, saying that Moreland was his favorite player on the 1984 team: He played with the same kind of heart as my father.
That spirit might one day be recognized by the Hall of Fame, though the family long ago built their own Cooperstown at Wrigley Field, with a retired number and soon a statue. In a sense the 2011 Cubs season is dedicated to Ronald Edward Santo.
My dad would be content just knowing (this is) happening, Jeff said. This means everything.
Quade vs. Ozzie
As a Chicago guy, Quade gets itSanto, the entire WGN catalog and the rivalry with the White Sox. As a kid, hed watch Santo and Bozos Circus.
Ringmaster Ned and Bucket No. 6, right? Quade said. Are you kidding me? Absolutely. We got ticketsI never (went, but) I think my little brother (got) to go. Somebody in this family finally ended up going.
Quades friends from Prospect High School are still divided Cubs-Sox. On Friday hell bring his team to Camelback Ranch and use the designated hitter, what he described as a little bit of gamesmanship.
Lou Piniella and Ozzie Guillen enjoyed going back and forth, and even did commercials together, but the 51st manager in Cubs history is probably going to stay out of it.
Well let Ozzie try to steal all the headlines, Quade said. Hes something and I do get a kick out of him, but I dont knowhed have to really come after me (to) get much out of me.
All is Wells
Randy Wells was in a good mood after Thursdays 2-1 win over the Cleveland Indiansand a workshop on dealing with the media held in the Cubs clubhouse that morning. Wells, who enjoys sparring with reporters and making Major League references, has now thrown nine scoreless innings this spring.
Do you think you have the inside track to one of the two open spots in the rotation?
I have no idea, Wells said. Thats not up to me. I learned that in the (session), too. Stay away from vulnerable questions.
PatrickMooney is CSNChicago.com's Cubs beat writer. FollowPatrick on Twitter @CSNMooneyfor up-to-the-minute Cubs news and views.