Ron Santo: For Love of Ivy

I purchased this book to help write a in depth paper about the life of Ron Santo and it certainly helped me do just that. The only issue I have with the book is the scatteredness style in which it is presented. The last chapter is Santo's feelings about some of the great players that he played with. Truth be told there probably is no happy complete way to end a story about a man who lives and dies Cubbie blue, but I think the author could have ended with Santo's hopes, dreams, and goals as he winds down his career as a broadcaster for the Cubs. Santo is a five star athlete and a five star man, but this is only a four star presentation of his life story

This is an awesome book written by a inspiring baseball legend. I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates Cub baseball history and/or admires the courage of Ron Santo.

The greatest third baseman ever to play the game and the fact that a trousersnake like Joe Morgan is helping to keep him out of the HOF is a crying shame. Ron Santo is what courage is all about and an inspiration to anyone on this big colored ball we call earth. I first became a fan of Ronnie's in 1998 because I would listen to all of the Cubs games on the radio with him and VPatrick Hughes. I had a job selling tickets at this and didn't have a tele to watch Chip and Stone on the TV. Anyway Santo is the best. The Cubs should have retired his number long ago. Long live Ron Santo and the Cubs...two winners! Origianlly posted 5/4/04 CC

Ron Santo has better numbers than most of the third basemen in the Hall of Fame. Anything but a minor star, this quiet, self-effacing hero had the misfortune never to play for a champion (he's most closely identified with the 1969 Cubs, often called "the greatest team never to win a pennant). As a result, he's never gotten the recognition he deserves- including election to the Hall, despite outclassing several of the third basemen there.Santo accomplished his feats despite an ongoing battle with diabetes which eventually cost him both legs. He's most appreciated, to be sure, in Chicago, where the Cubs at long last retired his number this year. His story is an inspiration to all of us who labor under the burden of far lesser disadvantages and accomplish far less. This is the autobiography of a true hero. To read it is to be inspired.

Excellent autobiography for baseball fans in general and Chicago Cubs fans in particular. Ron Santo was signed by the Cubs in 1958 at the age of 18. Prior to reporting to the Cubs, he learned he had diabetes. This book tells of playing with baseball greats such as Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ferguson Jenkins, and Leo Durocher. And the 1969 Chicago Cubs.The book is also inspirational in Santo's perseverance against diabetes and the potential devastating effects of the disease at that time. Santo tested himself and put himself to the limits to control his diabetes.The book is a very good read and should appeal to any baseball fan. Also, good read for younger players, high school and up, as Santo played the game to its fullest with class, and continues to approach other aspects of life the same.