He passed away today at the age of 70.
You may ask what this has to do with animation. As far as the art is concerned, not much. As far as the spirit of our industry and community goes, everything.
Ron Santo played for the Cubs for 14 years and played one year for the White Sox. He is a legend in Chicago and beloved by the people.
What made Ron so unique, aside from his great athletic ability in baseball and his devotion to Chicago, was that he was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at the age of 18. Yet he went on to a stellar professional sports career. So much so, that his number 10 was officially retired by the Chicago Cubs organization.
Later in life, he went through a dozen operations on his legs before they had to finally be amputated. He endured this, plus surgery on his eyes, heart and bladder after doctors discovered cancer, and continued as an announcer for Cub games, and went on with life living it to the fullest.
Ron Santo is a one in a million man. We gripe about executives, fight amongst ourselves over the stupidest and most trivial of issues, yet there are people out there who accomplish tremendous things in their lives and overcome obstacles that most of us can't begin to imagine.
So long Ron. For those of us who grew up in Chicagoland, and everyone that knew you, you'll be missed very very much. Thank you for all you gave us.
Rest In Peace.
