Good for you audio- I've just finished getting on the cubs.com message board to try and get some more support for contacting ESPN. There's a lot of us Ron supporters out there and we need to make our voices heard where it counts (to ESPN) About 20,000 emails to ESPN might make this loser apologize for his statements.

I have it on good authority that Lucas' column today will be slagging off labrador puppies, and new-born siamese twins.

What an arsehole. I'd wish him a tiny part of Ronnie's hardship, but I know that Ronnie wouldn't want that - you know, on account of being a stand-up guy and all.

Karma's a bitch, though. I hope Mr. Lucas sleeps well tonight.

oh, I've already sent my email! This guy is going down!

Having trouble posting this, so hope it doesn't come up twice. I emailed this a**hole the minute I read about it. What a jerk!! This guy is going down. We've got to get everyone in Cubs Nation to get this guy out of town, off ESPN, something. I've never heard of anything so pathetic and sad. He actually obviously never listens to the games, because between the hokum and the corny jokes (which I love too) Ronnie knows the game and has insightful comments. I think he'd do a much better job than Dusty of managing.
Let's send this out to everyone we know that's a Cubs fan and barrage this guy with emails. I'm also writing ESPN.
don't mess with Ronnie!!
cheri

This is was my email I just sent

The sheer fact that you would say such things about one of Chicago’s biggest baseball heroes ( Ron Santo) and that you would even bring in his diabetes and his lack of limbs ( which is a very classless move on your part) makes me angry. I don’t Get it what has he ever done to you? The reason I listen to his “hokum� on a daily bases is his passion and energy for the Cubs, I am sorry he cant be one of the straight face listless announcers that ESPN puts out everyday .
Ron Santo is one of the most loved players/ announcers in Chicago … But I guess you weren’t there when they retried his number and he got a standing ovation, or when he didn’t get into the hall of fame and the talk radio stations were lit up with outraged fans, or when he is sick and people want consent updates on him, That’s the thing about the so called national writers/broadcasters they can never get what Ron Santo means for the Cubs originations and for Chicago baseball in general. When you insult Ron you insult Chicago and the all Cubs fans world wide. Maybe I should not be mad but feel sorry for you for the simple fact that you have never experienced Ron they way we have. One day you should go to the Wrigley bleachers on a warm Chicago day and talk to fans and find out what they feel about Ron. But I guess it is hard to come down form that ivory tower you have!

Sincerely
Sean

My email is below.

Dear Uniwatch,

Your ignorance knows no bounds. Ron Santo's passion and knowledge for the game sets him apart from 99% of the announcers out there. Ron & Pat are wildly popular in and around Chicago because they keep the games entertaining and do an excellent job of presenting the game on the field. For the uninitiated, Ron & Pat may sound hokey, but for those who do listen to 100+ games a year, we understand the running jokes and gags and appreciate a pair of broadcasters who can turn a miserable season into something enjoyable.

Pat supplies all the information we need and Ron does a great job on color... but what makes him special is the undeniable passion he brings into the booth with him every game. Ron reacts the same way to plays as the fans at home. A broadcaster doesn't need to be eloquent to convey what is going on. When opponents belt a bases clearing double in the left field corner, Ron's groans are far more informative than a cold resucitation of the players movements.

Stick to uniforms and leave diabetics and amputees out of your columns. You'll get a bit more respect that way.

Byron Clarke

I wrote to ESPN telling them they lost all my subscriptions. I included the quote in another email just incase it "disappeared." My grandmother lost both legs to diabetes and I know how hard EVERYTHING was for her after that. Comment on the broadcasting style, fine. But to make light of a serious diability? That's completely offensive. You would think that after the Just Frankly debacle ESPN employees would know not to mess with Cubs fans.

i thought this felt right...

you should be ashamed of yourself. you know little about what it takes to be an incredible baseball talent, and even less about being a compassionate, decent human being. Ron Santo does so much for the community, his passionate fans, and charity that to make assertions about his character based on his disability is saddening. i am personally saddened for you and your family, because to meet your personal standards would prove so difficult, that one would cease to care what you thought about anyone or anything. i sincerely hope your droves of loyal fans stand by you while you ridicule a baseball legend behind your poorly furnished desk while you watch reruns of everybody loves raymond.

GO CUBS! Ronnie IS the Cubs.
much love to cubs fans worldwide!!!

"But seriously, is there a bigger embarrassment on the airwaves than this guy?"

Yeah, a half assed blog writer commenting on something they know nothing about.

Feel free to boo Paul Lucas...asshat.

Mr. Lukas posted a "special shoutout" to the Cubs fans today. Not much of a concession, it is more a thumbing-of-the-nose in our direction. I think we may need to step this up.

I am Todd's wife... I felt like I needed to let you all know just how much this post ticked Todd off last night. He was telling me, the non-baseball watching wife, the story and all of a sudden I realize he is starting to cry. I felt so bad for him. He said "It's like they dissed my grandpa". I totally got what he was saying... the cubs announcers have been the most consistant thing is his life and he loves them.

The hokum's all right, unless you're driving around without visual access to the game.

Santo should have been elected into he Hall of Fame a long time ago.

He shouldn't be anywhere near the broadcast booth, though, IMO.

My email to Mr. Lucas:

Mr. Lucas,

I read a passage of yours concerning Ron Santo, Cubs radio broadcaster and Hall-worthy third baseman, and all I can say is that you obviously don't understand. Mr. Santo is indeed an inspiring individual, "what with the diabetes and the amputations," to quote your own way of putting it. For those listeners and fans who live with the disease daily, or those whose parents or other family members are diabetic, it is indeed amazing how upbeat and positive Mr. Santo has always been, all while his body betrays him and slowly deteriorates.

But beyond his physical problems, us Cub fans love Ronnie because he's a fan, just like us. When I listen to other radio broadcasts for other teams around the league, I'm always struck by how quiet and boring and bland it all is. No wonder more people don't tune in to ball games on the radio! The commentators are very poor at making small talk, at chatting it up between pitches, whether it be about baseball or groceries or anything else. And when Mr. Santo hollers in delight or moans in despair, it's like you're at the game, sitting next to an old codger who's been around awhile and seen a few things in his time. His "home" call is the way all broadcasts should be for every team. As fans, we don't want impartiality. That's bogus. No one's impartial when it comes to sports. We all have our allegiances, and the stronger they are the better. It's what makes sports meaningful and fun.

Lastly, if you've ever listened to the Cubs radio broadcasts, which I doubt you have considering you "can't even imagine what it must be like," let me tell you: Pat Hughes is likely the best working baseball play-by-play man around, and he offers the perfect foil to Santo's unbridled enthusiasm and raw emotion. The two of them together could sit and discuss anything, trading jokes and whatnot, and there doesn't even need to be a game scheduled. People would listen. They are that good.

So again, I'm sorry you're missing out and can't seem to understand the draw of someone like Mr. Santo in the radio booth. His emotions are real, his humor is real, and, yes, Mr. Lucas, his disease is real, too, which is more than we can say about the ballplayers themselves, many of whom are constantly under suspicion of steroid use, lackadaisical performance, and unrelenting greed.

Regards,

so i followed the link and sent my email,
but it doesn't feel like enough.
how do we get this message to his employers?
we need a link to this guys boss.
love ronnie or hate ronnie- bigotry is unnacceptable in our society. making fun of the physically challenged is just wrong. i bet they would like to email his employers also.
this guy has no soul. i bet he doesn't do anything charitable, whereas ronnie spends countless hours working for j.d.r.f. i say he losses his job before the end of the week.

Heres what I posted on his comments section:

"Get a life. Theres only one embarrassment in sports writing/broadcasting, and it wasn’t the subject of your insensitive remarks about Ron Santo. Heres a hint: Find a mirror. I just know listening to Cubs games would be sooo much better with boring, Cubs hating ESPN braodcasters. Stick to your uniforms and leave Cubs Legends alone."

What a surprise, more Cubs hating/bashing from ESPN. Will wonders never end??

Leave a message on the blog itself for his readers to see what a jerk this guy is.

http://uniwatchblog.com

and leave a comment!

is this email too harsh to send?:

Apparently you’ve never listened to Mike Shannon or 80% of the other radio broadcasters.

Most Cubs fans love Santo, and his endearing qualities are part of what makes listening to him fun. You don’t have to like it, and I totally understand why most non-Cubs fans don’t.

So, turn your dial back to Dr. Phil, Strictly Sex with Dr. Drew, or whatever you need to listen to.

Or use it for what you really need to—taking a plunge into your bathtub.

What a tasteless display of stupidity. I just couldn't believe what I was reading. By the way, I have already left my comment and my e-mail is forthcoming.

Wow, just wow. As a Cubs fan AND a type 1 diabetic, I'm sickened by that. Ron was a great ballplayer and to do what he did given his disease makes his career that much more phenomenal.

Yeah he's a homer on the air, but he's our homer. Most people listening to the games on 720 are Cubs fans and they're cheering right along with him. Maybe Ron's not the greatest color guy, but Pat Hughes' smooth broadcast more than makes up for it.

Of course we shouldn't feel sorry for Ron. We should be proud and privileged to have such a wonderful member of Cubs history still with us, sharing his love and joy for the team each season.

I think we should try to make this a public as possible. The more people who know the more pressure will be put on Paul to issue an apology. I don’t think just cubs fan will get mad over the comments. So try to tell ever one you know and if you live in Chicago area Call up ESPN100o radio WGN 720 radio and 670 the score and let them know!!! If you live outside of Chicago I think you get the idea…

I think that he was insensitve in his comments, but Santo is a horrible announcer. He screams over Pat during plays ("Go, go go!!!" or "Come on" or the always helpful "Yep/Yeah") and offers minimal baseball expertise. He doesn't even pay attention a lot of the time - asking Pat what happened, etc. I think that he was a good ball player, but the fans deserve someone on the radio who can provide real comments, instead of a bunch of fluff. I know that he has serious health issues, and he is probably a nice person outside of the booth, but I would rather hear about the players and the game than what "piece" he's wearing that day....or about the stupid fax machine. Pat is a great announcer, and Ron brings him down. Think about people like Steve Stone and Bob Brenley - how much you learn from them when you're watching the game. Not the case at all with Santo. It is painful to listen.

People,

Forcing him to apologize is rather, ummm, un-American. He's entitled to his opinion, and we're entitled to share our opinion with him, but to berate him into apologizing? What does that accomplish, I wonder?

Would it change his mind? I doubt it. Would it reinforce the image that we're all more preoccupied with sunshine and sentimentality than a winning club when we get so worked up all over this? I'm afraid so. We are, after all, fans of a franchise that have celebrated personality over pennants.

Nobody ever heard of this Lucas guy before. Now, he's getting all the attention he craves, and were none too compliant in offering it up to him.

Let him know how you feel, by all means. But demanding an apology goes a bit too far, IMO. Last I checked, Mr. Lucas is protected by the same rights that benefit us all.

Well, obviously nobody can please everyone, and there are lots of people out there who I respect that can't stand Ronnie. However, tearing into him mercilessly like that and suggesting that he only has a job out of pity was completely out of line. You comment was much more reasonable than Lucas's.

I suppose it is just a matter of taste. Personally, I really enjoy listening to Pat and Ron banter back and forth and I never feel like I am missing the game. I would take Ron over Brenly any day, although I'm fine with Brenly. I definitely prefer Ron over any of the canned broadcasters they crank out on a daily basis.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievance.�

Which means the government can not tell him what to write. We as a private individual can demand anything we want. It goes both way if he writes something we do not like we can complain all we want the 1st amendment right does not pertain to me as I am not the government . Once it is out in the open I can demand what ever I want from him what is more American that that. I will not rest until there is an apology issued!!!!

Mike -

yeah, the original intent was...well, I was mostly just annoyed when I heard about this and wasn't looking for an apology. I guess I just wanted to show Lucas that he was wrong, even if he never read the site. I don't think he's ever going to apologize and I'm not sure who he'd apologize to. But I really just wanted him to know how much Cub fans care about their Ronnie.

(Sean is right, btw)

(Mike is also right, just not about the first amendment part)

(Lucas is wrong)

I'm not particularly looking for a correction or an apology, although I did say that one would be nice. Mostly I said that because I called the guy a moron, and I figured that if he was gracious enough to apologize for enraging Cubs fans, then I'd take the moron image down from the site.

I agree that, realistically, we say offensive things. I've called Jim and Dusty lots of names. No one has apparently taken offense, but if people ARE offended, I tend to apologize even if I disagree with them. It's just polite, is all.

I can understand how some don't care for Ron on the air, but seriously, would you rather hear Dave Otto?

"but seriously, would you rather hear Dave Otto?"

Yes.

But then again I'm partial. We're from the same hometown and my brotehr played baseball at Elk Grove High School with Otto. Great guy.

I'll leave it to others to debate Otto's merits as an analyst, but nobody's worse than Santo at doing color. Even Frank Gifford, toward the end of his career on "Monday Night Football", did more homework than Ronnie. I love Santo, but the only reason he's there is that, ever since Ralph Kiner, "bubble" hall-of-famers have used a broadcast gig to boost their profile. Kiner should not be in the Hall, IMO, but working for the Mets really helped his case. Sadly, it hasn't worked for Ron, and now we're left with a clownish, bumbling fool who is all too eager to play the part, and who doesn't stand a chance at teaching kids the game like Lou Boudreau taught me when I listened to games in the early 80's.

Lucas' argument, like Ron, has no legs.

I'm a Sox fan and even I don't hate Ron Santo. If nothing else he makes listening to Cubs games on the radio enjoyable. Though he is the only person calling baseball games that makes Hawk Harrelson seem unbiased.

But as you said in the post, what the hell is so wrong with that? Why should an announcer, who's announcing a game to that teams fans, not be for that team?

Lucas' argument, like Ron, has no legs.

I'm a Sox fan and even I don't hate Ron Santo. If nothing else he makes listening to Cubs games on the radio enjoyable. Though he is the only person calling baseball games that makes Hawk Harrelson seem unbiased.

But as you said in the post, what the hell is so wrong with that? Why should an announcer, who's announcing a game to that teams fans, not be for that team?

Come on. I love listening to Santo, much like I enjoy the occasional reality TV show. It's great to watch (or listen to)people make fools of themselves. Santo has perfected this art. From the ridiculously long winded and winding stories to the shrieks of glee when the Cubs manage to score a run twice a week, Santo is terrible.

I'm also not sure on what planet you think Santo deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. Being a good player on mediocre at best teams doesn't make you a hall of famer, just because he was your favorite as a child.

ESK -

My favorite player as a child was Mark Grace, who I don't believe belongs in the hall. I've made the case for Santo before and I can make it again. Santo is easily one of the top ten third basemen of all time and belongs in the hall. He was not a good player on mediocre teams, he was a great player who was underrated because he played with Banks and Williams.

Third basemen, along with second basemen, are grossly underrepresented in the hall.

Jason R. You could not be more right Santo Hall Snub is IMO bigest in baseball

I find it amusing that, suddenly, people are jumping to Lucas's defense in saying that he wasn't insulting Santo.

It seems pretty obvious to the majority that he was outright insulting.

But hey, it wouldn't surprise me if Lucas is just that piss poor a journalist/columnist that he cannot make himself clear enough so that he is not misunderstood.

That shouldn't stop him from trying to clarify what he said, but he seems to be in no rush to do so.

You all need to relax. I'm not a Cubs fan and I don't know Santo's broadcasting abilities.

What I do know is the dreck being posted here is not better or worse than what is being posted there. I think it's pretty silly that you are going to cancel your subcribtions to ESPN's services or are crying about what was said, but come on.

If you read what he wrote instead of just bashing him you would see it's a joke about his legs, even if it is one in poor taste. I'll agree that it was wrong but I can't say that the crap that you people are posting makes any of this right.

Cubs Nation?

Concentrate on worrying about your pitchers that can't pitch more than a few weeks before going on the DL and take a deep breath. If this is what pisses you people off, I admire your lives.

They must be pretty good to come here and pretend this ruined your day.

Jimmy, You just dont get it and never will.

Feel free to fill me in, please. I'm not trying to be a jerk here. Tell me what I need to know.

I'm gonna email this clown in a minute, but here's the other guy to email: ESPN Ombudsman George Solomon

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?id=2097428

Appreciate the heads-up. My email has been sent to both Paul and ESPN. After reading his blog I think the guy's a total prick.

Nice work by GROTA and commenters rallying the troops.

As a cubs fan we have to deal with the fact that we have not won a championship in almost a hundred years we have to deal with Sox fans Cardinals fans Astros fans on daily basses, and our team sucks right now. And to top it off we have very few “stars� We have Banks, Sandberg, Williams, you can through Grace and Andre in if you want but Santo means more to the fans then any non cubs fan imagine he his a hero he had to deal with his diabetes while he was playing, He has had to deal with so much but never complains he lost both his legs he has had deal with the Hall snub (One of the best 3rd baseman ever) So when someone takes pot shots at living legend we get upset we have that right as fan. So when someone takes a shot at Ron he takes the shot at me. I know it may seem hard to imagine a bunch of people getting upset but that is how much Ron means to us. He is our symbol of hope and no matter are bad things get we can always look up at Ron see him smiling or hear him on the radio laughing it like he telling us hey it could be worse… Ron is something you have t experience on your own and you can only truly experience him if you are a die hard cubs fan… That what it is all about Charily Brown

Just read the comment from "Todd's Wife" - Daria... and, Daria, I hope you're kidding. He cried? Listen to yourselves. If you're not crying, you're threatening hate crimes against this guy. Is anyone here older than 9?

Seriously, Cubs fans have no idea how nauseating this whole Santo Claus thing is. I get it. Great guy, overcome tremendous adversity, and an inspiration to some. But when they're making movies about him (with maudlin titles like "This Old Cub") and people are walking cross-country in his honor - it's just a little much. No, it's a lot much. You're turning Santo into a mascot and the guy deserves better.

I understand he has a bit of a "favorite blanket", endearing quality about him, and I don't mind that he's a homer, but his analysis is... it's just not good. He does little in the booth that you or I could not do.

But acknowledging that some of this is subjective, and that most of you will say you appreciate Santo's lack of refinement, it's really the way Cubs fans turn their affection for him into hokey displays of self-absorption that grates so much. It's not so much Santo who's to blame; it's you guys - and your inability to accept Ron's shortcomings as a broadcaster and a ballplayer. But the Hall of Fame doesn't (and shouldn't) bend its rules just because you love the guy. Just as Lucas shouldn't have to apologize for offering an honest criticism of Santo. The elephant in the room is that it is politically incorrect to criticize Santo. If you criticize him, you're a jerk for ripping on a diabetic, double amputee. And that's what Lucas is acknowledging. It doesn't make his criticism any less valid.

And all the Forrest Gump, cross counrty walks and sentimental movies and threatening e-mails will not make him a great broadcaster or get him into the Hall of Fame. I would be that even he is uncomfortable with this crusade you've all undertaken in his name. So stop insisting on acknowledgement of his divinity.

And, Todd, get ahold of yourself. It's just an opinion.

Well that is all well and good, so now you are saying two wrongs make a right?

Just as we are posting here saying whatever we want, others are out there doing the same.

I think we can all agree that if some guy wants to make pot shots are a disabled person it's wrong. Posting here or there about how incorrect this is OK. But crying? Canceling subscriptions? Asking for a person to get fired?

Come on, I'm positive everybody here has said some stupid crap about something they didn't have any right to. I'm sure you all felt bad. I'm sure that worse things are going to happen to all of us (not that I wish that). Lets all just take a deep breath and relax.

Sean, I know you mean well, but some of this is a little out of hand. It's not like he wished for Santo to die. He was just trying to say he's a bad broadcaster. It's an opinion. I don't know if its right or wrong. I do know that it's over and done and everybody can just relax.

Brendan Why did you come here for? Do you just like to cause trouble? You are no better then the so Called “9 years old� you mentioned if anything your comments will just bring in more Santo fans. BTW when you look at his stats he deserves to be in the hall of fame!!!

What I want to know why is it okay for Paul to have his opinion and why can he write whatever he wants but not us? If he did not want a response he should have never become a Journalist.

My E-mail to Paul Lucas:

I have no idea who you are Paul Lucas - though I think it funny that you insult Ron Santo's brand of baseball commentary, when your "journalism" is dedicated to baseball uniforms. Nice niche - was the blog dedicated to which players have the best asses taken? I am sure there are lots of girlfriends out there that find yours to be their favorite baseball site, but to insult a man by making derisive comments about his diabetes and his amputations, and then insult what makes him a revered member of the Cubs community, while you toil away as a D-level ESPN writer, and write a blog on the most inane topic conceivably on the web - seems ironic.

Read the passage again, guys. Really. Read it. He criticizes the man's broadcasting skills. While it should have been stated in a way that couldn't be construed as making fun of him for diabetes, he's not making fun of him; his point is that the diabetes and HOF Snub shouldn't be an excuse for his awful work in the booth. He's saying that you can feel sorry for him AND criticize his work. Maybe the tradition in Chicago is to have extreme homer broadcasters, but all that means to this Giants fan (Lon Simmons to Hank Greenwald to Jon Miller/Duane Kuiper for PbP, Mike Krukow for color) is that your broadcasting bar is ridiculously low. Professionalism, painting the picture with words, and providing actual analysis aren't what Santo is about, and you can't deny that. All anyone outside the market knows of him is that he talks over the PbP guy during action with grunts and groans.

Sean - I was directed to this site from Deadspin, which linked to this site so that the rest of world could bear witness to this insanity. I was compelled to comment because what I found was so over-the-top, I had to say something.

I thought the blowing up the Bartman ball and turning it into spaghetti sauce was childish and narcissistic, but that looks positively level-headed and mature by comparison.

Jason R. - Great breakdown of Santo's numbers. Didn't realize they were that good. Given that he was a stellar third baseman, his HOF argument is a pretty strong one. Actually makes me a little less irritated with all the bitching about Santo's snub. But I also notice that none of his statistical analogs are in the Hall, either. Guess you gotta draw the line somewhere.

I have no idea why I'm still arguing about this.

I should also point out that I read UniWatch regularly. I'll defend his work as more than "critiquing laundry": It's a regularly updated record of uniforms and athletic aesthetics. I dig it and find that sort of stuff fascinating. Maybe that's not your thing. Maybe your thing is provincialism and tribalism. Maybe you don't give a crap about discussion and would rather just yell "Santo is awesome! You can't say nothin' about him!" Suit yourself. But understand that issuing a fatwa is juvenile and accomplishes much less than a calm and rational complaint that you think his comment is in bad taste.

If anyone is interested in contacting the powers that be a ESPN, a quick shot to their ombsbudsman, George Solomon, would never hurt. You can find his email on Espn.com's page2. If anyone else already posted this, I apologize.

David, Brendan, et al. -

Well, I don't actually feel that what I wrote was all that over the top. Except the laundry part, but that was just a joke. I'm sure his blog is lovely and I can see why it would catch on.

The problem is, I know that there is an entire legion of Cub fans who like the Pat and Ron show. They have a great repore together and I find Ron's enthusiasm to be quite infectious.

My complaint was not even really with the legs thing, although I thought it was unnecessary. No, my issue was the insinuation that he was coasting along in his job, riding the pity of fans. We don't pity Santo, we respect him.

I don't care if people don't like his broadcasting style, that's fine. But Lucas was way insulting and over the line and so I wanted to call him out on it.

Opinions stated here do not reflect all of Cub Nation. In fact, they don't even reflect all of the goatriders, as I am one myself (War) and could not disagree more with this torch-and-pitchfork crowd.

If you are able to drive around while doing errands and stuff, and you have the game on in the car (or if you're doing yardwork), listening to Santo can be positively maddening. If you're watching it with the TV turned down, then it can be cute but, if you don't have visual access to the game, he makes you want to reach through the radio and slap him, double amputee or not. I agree with Brendan, who makes fair points, but predictably gets ganged up on nonetheless. Personally, I find it embarassing that we do as much to revere the ancillary history of the Cubs (broadcasters, ballpark etc.) as we do the actual team. This is a franchise that is only one of 7 in baseball history to have won at least 10 pennants since 1900 and yet all of the retired numbers belong to players who never won ONE.

Screw this Lucas character. Shouldn't we save our ire for asomeone who has had a more direct effect on our fortunes--a one Andrew MacFail?

And this is just one man's opinion (putting flamesuit on).

I have to admit, just like everyone else, that poking fun at someone's disabilities is as about as low as it can ever get. But, i hole-heartedly agree with his point about Ronnie's inability to do his job ok, let alone well. He is pathetic, not because of his disability, but because it takes him 20-30 seconds to state his point that may take us about 5 seconds to say; plus, its as irrelevant as a Jay Mariotti column in the Sun Times. By that time, i've already changed channels to ESPN 1000. He brings nothing new or interesting to any broadacast. He has nothing but love for our beloved Cubbies, and i love him for his passion, but he needs to go, ASAP. If not for me, at least do it for Pat.

Uniwatch is dead on. Ron Santo is an embarrassment.

He should be thrown into a deep pool.

Cheri "oh, I've already sent my email! This guy is going down!"

Yep, I am sure he is really going down. What exactly did you do to him? Nothing, this is the Internet.

Get a life. Ron Santo get a pair of legs.

I miss Lefty.

my favorite part of this is that he never makes fun of ron santos for having diabetes. Show me the joke he makes? all he does is acknowledge that a joke could be made. my second favorite part is the poster who makes this comment...."But seriously, is there a bigger embarrassment on the airwaves than this guy?"

Yeah, a half assed blog writer commenting on something they know nothing about. So is a uniwatch blog broadcast over the air??? does lukas have a show i dont know about???

ron santo as the biggest HOF snub is a reach... if anything he is the biggest HOF snub with no legs

I just think it's great that a guy who writes for a network that thinks that insightful baseball analysis is calling Billy Beane stupid for writing moneyball and shouting out "backbackbackbackback" during the HOME RUN DERBY has any position to rag on anybody's baseball announcing skills, up to and including Ron Santo.

And I love the Pat and Ron show. It's not like there's anything better going on on the field to talk about than what number Ron wore when he played football in high school or what kind of country music singer he would have liked to have been.

Hi Nick -

Um, what? When did I say that he was on the airwaves? Are you sure you aren't getting confused with the part where we quote uniwatch?

And I think you are getting this half-assed blogger confused with some of the commenters, I never said that he made fun of Ronnie for having diabetes.

Biggest snub for the HOF? It's close between him and Blyleven.

This has all gotten quite contentious on both sides. The fact is, some of use really like Ron as a broadcaster and a person both and wanted to let Lucas know about it. I'm guessing most people out there would defend someone they admire and like against an unprovoked attack.

Jason R. - Despite the slightly melodramatic characterization of a relatively innocuous and, more importantly, popular opinion as an "unprovoked attack", I agree with you: Most people would defend someone who they feel was unfairly criticized.

But most people wouldn't cry about it. Or turn into Paulie Walnuts.

Mike D. - Your point about the ancillary history is really what I'm getting at - well said. Didn't know that about the retired numbers.

"But seriously, is there a bigger embarrassment on the airwaves than this guy?"

Yeah, a half assed blog writer commenting on something they know nothing about.

Feel free to boo Paul Lucas...asshat.
Posted by: Scott G. F. at August 2, 2006 07:00 AM

thats who i was making fun of for the air waves comment not you...all lukas is saying is that in his opinion santos is not a very good announcer...and from the little i have heard of santos i agree....i never said you say he makes fun of santos for having diabetes but the majority of the the people who replied to your post think he does. also you include a link to santo's baseball refrence page. on that page it lists the top ten batters like him and none are in the hall of fame. third on that list is gary gaetti. on blyleven's page the top ten list includes 8 hall of famers also guys who deserve to be in the hall of fame before santos include jim rice (more homers, rbis, higher BA, higher SLG%, higher OPS, more hits, and more runs scored) Dave Parker (3 less homers, more hits, more runs, more rbis, higher BA, higher SLG%, 1 MVP award, and 2 World Series rings) Andre Dawson ( its getting repetative to keep listing the numbers but again dawson has better numbers and he played for the cubs so there you go)
so if anything i would put santos tied with dale murphy in 4th place in biggest HOF snub

and the whole hof snub with no legs thing was just a joke i do honestly feel bad for the guy

Nick -

I'm not sure why I'm still arguing with you about this. Did you see the quotes? That meant he was quoting.

"But seriously, is there a bigger embarrassment on the airwaves than this guy?"

Those were the exact words spoken by Lucas, not by Scott.

If you want to say 4th biggest snub, fine, except I completely disagree with you that Rice and Dawson are two of teh guys in front of him. Maybe Blyleven and Gossage, but past that I have to start thinking. It doesn't matter, though. Deserving is deserving.

because scotts reaction implies that lukas is on the airwaves which he isn't...and how is santos ahead of rice or dawson besides the fact that he played on worse teams and had poorer numbers and was never the best player in the league which rice and dawson and dave parker were

Well, positional adjustment for one. Dawson and Rice were both outfielders, although at least Dawson was a very good fielder.

Then you can adjust for ERA. Start with OPS+ which measures offensive contribution against the league average.

Santo - 125
Rice - 128
Dawson - 119

So Rice was a slightly better hitter but at a position which demanded much more offense. Dawson was a worse hitter and never got on base, making him immediately less valuable than Santo.

Rice was a pretty poor outfielder, Santo was a five time gold glover.

Better teams? You blame that on Santo?

There is no arguement for Rice or Dawson being better than Santo. And damn you for making me argue against Dawson.

Dear Uniwatch:

You recently wrote this in a recent column:

"I know we're all supposed to feel sorry for Santo, what with the diabetes and the amputations (insert pants/stirrups joke here), along with the Hall of Fame snub. But seriously, is there a bigger embarrassment on the airwaves than this guy? Has there ever been? Can't even imagine what it must be like to have to listen to this hokum on a daily basis."

While I usually enjoy your columns regarding the visual aspect of sports (especially your work on USFL uniforms), I have to write to inform you of my disappointment and anger regarding your recent comments regarding Ron Santo.

Yes, I'm a Cubs and listen WGN radio on XM radio at least 60 times out of the year. I will acknowledge that he's not the best color commentator in baseball. However, it's not classy to take shots about him regarding his diabetes. "Insert stirrup pants joke here?" Are you serious? This guy has done incredible work on behalf of fighting diabetes, and he never complains about it. And you use your column to make a snide cheapshot about it?

He's Hall of Fame for sure, but it's beyond his great career. He represents the best in the Cubs -- hard work, passion, and determination. Fine, he's not butter smooth as a commentator, but he's real, and I appreciate his love for the game (being played the right way) and for the home team. After all, the Cubs are owned by Tribune who also owns 'GN -- so it's not like they're going for the Sports Emmy. They're appealing to their own fanbase.

So, take shots at his clothes, or how he wore the #10 uniform for the Cubs. You can even call him a homer (which is pretty much 75% of most radio play-by-play color commentators). Leave his diabetes or his Hall of Fame career out of it.

I expect a retraction or an apology in your next column.

peace,
MacArthur Antigua
Saint Paul, MN

damn you brought up the adjusted OPS i will give you rice but i still feel like dawson is a better overall player...then again it is just an opinion...also i dont think rice deserves to be in the hall of fame i was just stating players i thought were more deserving than santos...really out of all the players i mentioned i really think only blylevin and dawson deserve in (maybe gossage)...but neither of us has a vote so it doesnt really matter what we think...and dont feel too bad about the cubs poor season im stuck rooting for the pirates

"I expect a retraction or an apology in your next column."

Saying things like that make you look like an idiot, MacArthur. Why don't you ask him to send you some money also. How can you expect anything? It's all free. You have NO control over him. Also, if you didnt notice, it's posted outside of ESPN.com. They don't control it. If you got drunk at a bar one night and got a DWI, should you be fired at work the next day? Of course not. Just because you made a bad decision doesn't mean you have to pay a harsh price. You guys are really ridiclous. Try to get back to reality and go back to work or removing curses from goats. Too much keyboard testosterone going on here. Try to sit back and remember none of you are better or worse than him.

Craig J. - I'll concede that Lucas' tone was less than respectful, especially given Santo's circumstances. But really, is it so insulting to wonder why Santo has a broadcasting job? If you tuned into a Cubs game and had no idea who Santo was (or what his circumstances were), you're telling me you wouldn't wonder who thought it would be a good idea to put him behind a mic? He makes Ali sound articulate.

Lucas didn't have to call him an embarrassment; that was a bit much. But the real embarrassment is the way so many Cubs fans (like our guy Todd, who cried, or Sean, who actually felt sorry that Lucas hadn't "experienced" [huh?] Santo the way Chicago has) blindly deny/defend/react to this very strange accommodation of such an obviously clumsy announcer. Verbal clumsiness isn't a trait you see much in people who make a living talking. All I'm saying.

Bizzo-
"Cheri, Get a life." Wow, where did you come up with that brand new phrase? I have a great life, but thanks for your concern. And "Ronnie, get some legs?" Ronnie does have legs- they're called prosthesis. And I really hope for your sake you don't end up losing any limbs for karma's sake, because I wouldn't wish that on anybody- even a jerk like you.
yes, it's just the internet, and no, he's not literally going down like the Titanic. It's just an expression. Ron is a friendly old coot that I respect and like. I have this tendency to stick up for people I like. Hopefully you have the same.

My Email to assclown Paul Lucas:

People should be feeling sorry for you, not Ron Santo. Taking a cheap shot at such a courageous and beloved figure is dispicable. I'm not sure if I've ever seen of a bigger embarrassment than you.

Ron is not advertised as a professional commentator. Everyone, including Ron, knows this. Ron Santo is an announcer because he is one of the most beloved players in Chicago sports history.

People don't turn the volume on their television sets down and tune in to WGN radio every time the Cubs play to hear professional analysis and dissection of every play. They tune in for the great chemistry between Pat and Ron and the fun they are able to bring to a sometimes boring and tedious game.

The section of the show you listed in dialogue on your blog perfectly illustrates what everyone loves about Pat and Ron. They laugh, have fun, and tell stories to keep the fans interested.

Stick with writing frivoulous blog entries as you usually do (insert insignificant blog joke here.) Next time, before you take a shot at someone, do some research. Come to Chicago and talk with Cubs fans at Wrigley. Better yet, watch the documentary "This Old Cub" before you take another cheap shot at Ronnie.

P.S. Its sad when the most hits you've probably ever had on your blog comes from cheapshotting a beloved sports figure.

This is just sad. Somehow Brian turned this whole thing into something about a website slamming people to get hits on the internet. It's done on the side of his usual work on ESPN.com it's not there to slam people. It just kinda happened.

Let me give you some facts:

Its Lukas, not Lucas, he made a tasteless joke. Not a cheapshot. There is a huge difference. Everybody has said something inappropriate at some point. Don't try to tell me otherwise. Just because he played baseball he is above being talked about? You were all saints you whole lives? Go to church everyday? Please.

Harry Caray was drunk and senile. Everybody made fun of him, I'll bet it was the some of the people on this site. Will Farrell did a great job of it. I doubt he got hate mail. If you are complaining about this you should hate Will also. Don't give me any crap about it being done with love. It's the same thing. Your beloved figure got flamed. Since everybody here is so locked in to people who dare say anything about Cubs, this should be an outrage also.

Ron Santo has no legs. He apparently has what can best be called "mixed reviews" on his broadcasting. He may or may not get into the HOF. He is not your family member. The Cubs are not your family. I doubt they sent a Christmas Card to you and neither did Ron Santo.

It's great that you love him so much. Passion is a wonderful thing. This is not the place to use it. Please stop crying in your beer. It's going to be ok.

Also...

"Stick with writing frivoulous blog entries as you usually do (insert insignificant blog joke here.) Next time, before you take a shot at someone, do some research."

Brian, you did great research, you didn't even get his name right! Nice job!

Re; Jimmy....."Passion is a wonderful thing. This is not the place to use it."
I disagree. Passionate views are what makes blogging interesting. No, I'm not advocating rudeness, name-calling, or attacks on others' characters; but vociferously standing up for what (or who) you believe strongly in, well, how is that not a good thing?
Yes, Cubs fans are sentimental. Yes, we are passionate. I think one reason for this is that many of us came by our fanatacism genetically- we had parents, or grandparents, that lived and breathed Cubs and brought us up to feel the same way. Here's a sentimental but true story that you may or not make fun of, but I think it illustrates my point:
My mother was a 50-year, die-hard, unrealistically optimistic, dyed-in-the-wool Cubs fan. The nine months she was under hospice care we listened to games together (yes, Pat and Ron, whom she adored) on the radio every day, and Mom always had to wear her Cubs hat. When I went to the church for her funeral, a little table had been prepared with photos of her and some personal items. I was okay until I saw the Cubs hat sitting center stage. Why did I go down on one knee, and start sobbing? Because I'm so sentimental about the Cubs? No, because to me that Cubs hat more than any of the other memorabilia symbolized Mom.
Since I'm female, maybe I won't get as much ribbing as Todd about the crying business (and might I add, I find Todd to be a Real Man since he's not afraid to show emotion) but I hope you can glean some kind of understanding from this. No, the Cubs aren't our family. But to many of us, they remind us of family that we love or loved dearly.

Should Santo be in the Hall of Fame?

No, I can beat him in a foot race. Santo isn't in the HOF because writers vote, and they all know how he disrespects the game by his lack of announcing skills. SANTO IS A JOKE!

You can beat him in a FOOT RACE? You can beat an old man with prosthetic legs in a FOOT RACE? WOW! What an amazing guy you must be! I can't even imagine. You should be like a sports star or something! but wait....you're really just more of a....loser.

Don't be mad because I can beat "an old man with prosthetic legs in a FOOT RACE".

I am just stating fact. Are you jealous of success because you are a Cubs fan?

I couldn't agree more, Mr. Santo definitely emodies everything about the Cubs. What with the way he limps through his day, like the Cubs limp through season after season. You remember Mr. Santo for his "Hall of Fame Career" and how he has been "snubbed". That sounds just like the beginning of every year when we have to hear how the cubs "are going all the way, this is the season", only to blame the manager or an unsuspecting fan late in the year.
I have no doubt that this site is full of a bunch of Goat Riders. Get a life.

Wow, our first real flame war!

Folks, Lukas won't be apologizing. I also suspect he won't soon be cracking any other jokes at the expense of Ron Santo.

Those of you who are here for the singular purpose of saying incendiary things about Santo ... you are trolls. Those of you who are getting incredibly angry and have been fighting back ... you know better. These people won't change their minds, they enjoy the attention.

I'm glad that we've brought attention to what Lukas did. Say what you will about his right to say offensive things. We have all said offensive things, and I make a living out of it here at Goat Riders, but Lukas went beyond that into asshole territory. He certainly had the right to say what he said, but now he has to deal with the consequences, which happens to include dozens - if not hundreds - of Cub fans EMail bombing him with their scorn.

Trust me folks. Whether he apologies or not - and he won't - I really, sincerely doubt that he's stupid enough to do it again. Consider that a victory.

I would also like to encourage our loyal Goat Readers to just ignore the Anti-Santo trolls, most of whom have come here explicitly for the purpose of pissing us off.

And, does Santo belong in the Hall? That's a definite topic of interest, and we'll probably analyze it in depth later on in a different thread. Stay tuned for that.

I would like to point out the the "Jimmy" making the legless jokes is not me.

I'm not an loser like that.

Thanx

I am a lifelong Cardinals fan. I have the greatest respect for Ron Santo. Why in the world would you pick on someone with the character of Mr. Santo?

"Why in the world would you pick on someone with the character of Mr. Santo?"

Santo loses all character the minute he goes on air. He should be beaten with his prosthetics.

Goat Riders:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/Shocka_/Santo.jpg

But really, is it so insulting to wonder why Santo has a broadcasting job?

Considering that Santo has been the commentator before either of his legs were amputated, before his open heart surgery, and whatever other host of problems he's had in the last several years... yes, I'd have to wonder why you think that.

I loved Harry, but he was far worse than Santo is when it came to calling the game.

And Santo should be in the Hall. Not only because he was one of the greatest third basemen every to play the game, but he was so great while suffering from a disease that had the potential to kill him at any time (and still does), and because he is one of baseball's greatest ambassadors.

They just gave the Commissioner's Historic Achievement award to Roberto Clemente for his humanitarian work. And if Clemente deserved it (and I think he did), Santo deserves it just the same for his work for diabetes.

Extra point of clarification: "The Sports PhD" is the same person as "Bizzo," "Ron's Right Leg," and "Jimmy." He, along with a handful of friends, are "wahooing" our blog, or doing some organized trolling. This particular poster has had all his SportsPhD links removed from his posts by me, and his IP has been banned.

Craig - So you're saying that the fact that Santo was an analyst before his amputations should somehow makes his delivery sound smooth? Or forget smooth - coherent?

Again, my hypothetical was: If you knew nothing about him (including when his legs were amputated and when he was hired), you wouldn't at least raise an eyebrow? Can you imagine any circumstance where the Tribune would expose him to a nationwide audience by putting him on 'GN? Or why they haven't done so already?

(And I appreciate the Harry comparison, but their jobs were/are different. Santo is an analyst; Harry was a play-by-play guy. Needless to say, they both tend(ed) to forget there is/was a game in progress.)

As you point out, Santo was still considered a sympathetic figure even before his leg amputations, open heart surgery, and toupe. In fact, he was admired for his courage in fighting diabetes all the way back to his playing days, according to you. So I'm still not sure why you think he was hired for his broadcasting talent alone. He is a great ambassador, yes. Always has been. But that doesn't make him a good broadcaster.

So I'm still not sure why you think he was hired for his broadcasting talent alone.

I never said that's why he was hired, but unlike you, I also never insinuated that he only still has his job because of all his health problems.

I give up. If you can't understand why Santo's there, you probably never will.

What is the point in ripping on Ron Santo? Is he hurting the ratings on 720? I doubt it. He and Pat seem to have a good rapport. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Ron is not a born broadcaster, but he is a helluva alot better to listen to than the vanilla stylings of Len and Bob. We all know Harry Caray drank but toward the end of his life and career it was the stroke(s) that made him sound impaired, not so much the alcohol. We were also spoiled with Steve Stone, whose precious ego got bruised so he left.
As for you, "Jimmy," take you patronizing bullshit elsewhere. Diabetes sucks.

Craig - So you would agree, then, that Santo was not hired for his broadcasting talent alone? If you don't think he was hired for his broadcasting talent alone, then for what other reasons was he hired? Are you insinuating, perhaps, that another possible reason he was hired was because of his diabetic condition, which, as no one disputes, he struggled with courageously before he ever entered the booth, and which elevated him, in part, to ambassador status? Nah.

By the way, I never said I didn't understand why he was there. In fact, I said that I do get it. To a degree. To repeat, what I don't get is why Cubs fans refuse to acknowledge his inadequacies as a broadcaster. Why is he off limits? I'll bet that most of you never saw him play and don't have memories of reading about his latest exploits in the morning paper. So why the righteous indignation? You've put him on this pedestal because he's this teddy bear figure that can serve as another sideshow in your never-ending attempt to turn "Cub Nation" into an overly dramatic, media-friendly circus. (See also, sideshow goat, sideshow Bartman, sideshow Wrigley.) And god forbid if someone ever mentions that the big top is empty.

Bring on the elephants!

Are you insinuating

Are you done trolling? Just curious.

I'm going to go ahead and summarize:

Do I think diabetes is in any way shape or form a reason why Ron was hired in the first place? No.

Do I think diabetes is in any way shape or form a reason why Ron still is an announcer on WGN radio? No.

Do I think people who would make such an insinuation have issues that need to be worked out? Yes.

Fair enough, Craig. Call it trolling. Call it whatever you want. I just like engaging on the topic. Not trying to ruin anyone's day. As I said, I've been enlightened by some of the comments, disturbed by others.

For the record, I was not making such an insinuation any more than you were. Was just trying illustrate why your accusation was unfair. If a person doesn't think Santo was hired for his talent alone (as you do), or doesn't think he is still employed for his talent alone (as I do), then it's not entirely fair to assume that that that person believes that the remaing reasons (or the ONLY reason, as you put) that he was hired or is still employed are/is directly related to his health problems/diabetes.

re: "Our first real flame war- Those of you who are getting incredibly angry and have been fighting back....you know better." We're not really incredibly angry (at least I'm not) It's kind of fun. And really, how could I NOT be impressed with "Jimmy" (not you, nice Jimmy)who can beat an old man with prosthetic legs in a foot race? Wow, that's the man for me!!
Seriously though, GROTA was getting a little bit less funny (and you guys are so good at funny) and a bit too overbearingly negative (no blue Koolaid here, just you can only take so much preaching to the choir) and this issue has kind of been something to get a little passionate about and have fun with.
Besides, look at all the hits you're getting!! Now there won't be just a few of us that love GROTA!

okay, here's what I sent the moron. I'm not sure why but this guy really got my goat....hey that was funny.

Do you really know anything about Ron Santo, any history, ever see him play, ever talk to the guy, do you have ANY idea what the hell your talking about?
I think you need to understand that your treading on sacred ground here sport. Maybe do a little research next time champ.
I’ll tell you what sparky, you cut off your legs and then you can talk about Ron Santo. Until then, shut the hell up!

Tim Golden,
Klamath falls, OR

P.S. I did get to see him play, he hit the first major league homer I ever saw.

I truly hope he comes to understand the injustice he's paid to Ronny and will apologize to him, but I doubt it.