The Cubs on Wednesday unveiled the statue of former third baseman and longtime broadcaster Ron Santo, who passed away last Dec. 3 at age 70.
The statue, which features a blue cap and stirrups, depicts Santo, a nine-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glover with the Cubs, throwing to first after handling a grounder.
Santo played from the Cubs from 1960-74 and was in the team’s radio booth from 1990 until his passing. He ranks fourth in franchise history with 337 homers. WAR rates him as the No. 2 Cub all-time behind Cap Anson and ahead of Hall of Famers Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg and Billy Williams.
Santo, though, is not yet in the Hall of Fame after being passed over by both the BBWAA and the Veterans Committee.
Santo joins Banks, Williams and Harry Caray in having statues outside Wrigley. Banks and Williams were among those in attendence for today’s ceremony.
“He was a remarkable person,” Banks said. “Ron Santo did not have an enemy. He loved everybody.”
