Pat Hughes tells his favorite Ron Santo story

Last spring Pat Hughes, the Voice of the Chicago Cubs sat down for an exclusive interview with CubHub.net. I asked him to share his favorite Ron Santo story. Of course it is about the the early April road trip to New York to play the Mets at old Shea Stadium – a place Ronnie despises. Pat tells of how Ron’s hairpiece was set ablaze by a space heater in the broadcast booth:

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This is a great story, and thanks again to Pat for sharing it. During a spring training broadcast this year, Pat & Ron were discussing the April schedule and Pat noted the Cubs have a trip to New York coming in the middle of the month. Ron said at the time that he wished it were later in the season (because he usually takes a road trip or two off mid/late season to tend to his health and rest up). But Ron said begrudgedly at that time that he would make this trip.  Well the road trip begins tonight at Citi Field but will go on with no Santo.  Dave Van Dyke reports that Ronnie won’t be going after all. And it seems Santo doesn’t seem to mind too much.

Ron Santo at Wrigley Field

Ron Santo at Wrigley Field

Ron Santo takes a lot of heat for being less a color analyst than die-hard fan in the booth. But despite his analyitcal shortcomings, he is fun to listen to. Subbing for him on this trip will be Keith Moreland. Zonk did some Cubs broadcasts last year and really sounded good – even with his sometimes ‘aw shucks’ approach. Maybe we are glimpsing Santo’s eventual replacement?

I heard some of yesterday’s Cubs radio broadcast and I have to say, Ron did not sound good. His speech was slow and he seemed confused. Not the lovable confusion and befuddlement that is his trademark, but obvious to me is was not feeling well.  Get well soon, Ronnie..

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    April 19, 2010  Tags: , , , , , , , , ,   Posted in: interview, oddities, the media

    3 Responses

    1. uberVU - social comments - April 19, 2010

      Social comments and analytics for this post…

      This post was mentioned on Twitter by insidethepark: CubHub.net: Pat Hughes tells his favorite Ron Santo story http://bit.ly/9C5cM8 ……

    2. tiki time - April 19, 2010

      Great stuff.

    3. Tony Shah - April 20, 2010

      Hysterical. Only Ron Santo could set his own hair afire in the ballpark and city he hates most. Thanks for posting.

      GO CUBS

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