A Hero. A Man. A Legend. We lost such a man this weekend. Ron Santo, legendary Chicago Cub finally succumbed to the disease he’d been fighting since he was boy. At age 70 Ronny had spent his entire career in professional baseball, but his life and legend were much bigger than that.

During his 15 year career he was a nine-time All Star and perennial Chicago favorite. If there was ever a Camelot age for Chicago Cubs baseball, it was during Ronnie’s playing days – including the mythic 1969 season.

After leaving the field, Ron went on to coach, and then to provide 21 years of color commentary, calling every Cub game – home or away. When Type 1 diabetes took both his legs, Santo would hobble in on crutches or roll in with a chair. Nothing was going to keep him from enjoying and sharing his life’s passion. No one held or communicated the spirit of Chicago Cubs baseball better than Ron Santo.

Jack Brickhouse, Harry Carey, and Ron Santo. Three legendary broadcasters. Each was ‘the voice of Cubs’ sometime during the past fifty-plus years. Jack has a statue at the Chicago River. Harry has his signature restaurant and numerous area icons. Ronnie has his immortal playing legend within the walls of Wrigley Field – and in the hearts of millions of Cub fans around the world.

Thanks Ronnie. Rest in peace. You will be missed.

In an odd footnote, Ron Santo is probably the most gifted player to ever NOT be inducted at Cooperstown. Now that he’s gone there will no doubt be an outpouring of emotion and nostalgia – but where were those emotions when the man was still here to revel in them? This is more a reflection on the jaded institution than on Ronnie’s career.

I’ve gotten emails from several folks asking why I’ve not commented on the Cubs and the thrashing they received from the Dodgers. Short answer: I was in mourning.

I concede that it’s silly to get that invested in a baseball season. After all, there are real problems in the world. However, this year was special. For the first time since 1969 I really beleived that this was the year. Even in 2003 when hapless Steve Bartman was blamed for breaking the streak, I was holding back my enthusiasm. This year however, it as all out there. It had been 100 years – and this would be the big one.

In fact, I had already budgeted $1,500 and 25,000 air miles to fly home to Chicago, catch a game at Wrigley, party with friends, and fly back to San Diego. The Cubs were going to be in the World Series – and it was going to be in Chicago – and I was going to be there. So much for plans.

Is there a curse?  It’s fun to talk about, especially when such talk is fueled by good friends and some cold beer. There is high entertainment value in it – and something to focus on while we look to the future.

Growing up in Chicago as a South Side Cubs Fan (a rare creature frequently subjected to Sox fan ridicule), there were three truths which anyone from that time and place can relate to:

1. Vote early / vote often
2. Never chew gum in church
3. There’s always next year

So, here we are again. 100 years and counting. I keep remembering that 104 year old man throwing out the first pitch at the first playoff game.  How old will I be when the Cubs finally pull it off?

To next year. Eamus Catuli.

– Carl Melville / Blogvious

A few weeks ago I blogged about this being the 100 year anniversary of the Cubs last World Series win. Well today, just moments ago, they took the first big step in that direction. No matter what else happens this year the Chicago Cubs are the Central division National League champions. For those keeping track, they were also the Central division National League champs last year, however this year is different.

Try as I might, I just could not get excited about the Cubs last year. This year, by comparison, I am walking on the ceiling. For some reason, maybe it’s the 100 years, maybe it’s something in the air, all I know is this is the most excited I’ve been about the Cubs chances since 1969. I was eight years old then but honestly believe I’m every bit as excited as that eight-year-old boy. Could this be the year?

Well, the season’s not over yet. What they did do today was mathematically lock in the Central league title. Compared to most years within the last 100, that alone is an impressive feat. I’d like to write some more about this but I need to go look through some old T-shirt boxes to find some of my long-stored Cubs gear.

See you at the World Series. Eamus Catuli!!!

– Carl Melville / Blogvious

There were two historic milestones in 1908. The world saw the Ford Model-T for the very first time, and the Chicago Cubs won the World Series for the very last time. Even my beloved Wrigley Field was not built until six years later, 1914. Could this be the year? Could this be the end of the curse? Was the 20th century simply a rebuilding century? As many diehard cub fans know, we’ve been down this road before.

The last time that I was this excited about the prospect of the Chicago Cubs entering the World Series was 1969. I was eight years old, and with childlike curiosity and glee I watched as the season unfolded and the Cubs continue to rack up victories. Ron Santo. Billy Williams. Don Kessinger. And of course the beloved Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks. George Will said that the golden age of baseball was whenever you are 10 years old. In my case he was off by two years but I certainly understand his point of view.

Those of you that follow baseball may remember that 1969 was also the year of the so-called Miracle Mets. What seemed like a miracle to the rest of the world seemed like a nightmare to me as my first place cubbies continue to lose game after game after game, all the while the Mets — who had been in the cellar all season long continue to rack up late-summer victories. My Grandfather, one of the greatest Cubs fans that’s ever lived, tried to warn me that fading in the fall was something the Cubs were known for. You can guess – or remember how the story ended. The Cubs didn’t go to the World Series, they didn’t win the National League pennant, they didn’t even win their division. It was also when I became familar with the Cubs mantra “There’s always next year”.

It’s now almost 40 years later and the Cubs are once again poised to go all the way. This could be the year, and what a way to end a century of losses. As I write this, the Milwaukee Brewers are four games behind the Cubs and have a better won / loss record in the last 10 games. The only thing worse than losing to the Mets again would be losing to the Cheeseheads from Wisconsin. The fact that the Milwaukee Brewers are even in the National League (vs. American) is surely a sign of the coming apocalypse. If you see a Packers fan of horse, run for cover.

I’m over 2000 miles away from the friendly confines of Wrigley Field now, but if the Cubs managed to make it, I will find a way to get back home and see at least one game. This is one that simply can’t be missed. However, if they fade, I will do what all true Cub fans do; I look forward to next year. Being a Cub fan from an early age has taught me to both deal with adversity and have faith in the future. Eamus Catuli. Go Cubbies!

– Carl Melville / Blogvious

Once more into the Breach. I can still recall the time Michael Jordan chose to lace up his Nike’s one more time. It did not end well. An ignominious footnote to a stellar career, and a small but forgettable blemish upon one our planet’s finest athletes.

Today Lance Armstrong announced that he too will again stand up against the tide of time and reach once more for the elusive yellow jersey. He’s already won the Tour de France seven times — I question what he last left to prove, except maybe to himself.

Some of us that recall other comebacks such as Muhamed Ali realize how deeply the cards are stacked against these champions. Time moves on. That said, the heart of a competitor cannot be stilled – and Lance may yet prove he can still climb like no one else.

Personally I wish he would let his record stand. Then again, I will never know first hand the drive that propels him forth. Go get’em Lance. Win or lose, you have already set a standard for career and personal performance that is unmatched in your sport, and in many ways, the larger world.  Good luck, and viva la Armstrong.

–Carl / Blogvious