6/28 Cubs honor Santo

Cubs pitchers Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly presented Ron Santo with a “Santo 50″ flag autographed by all the players to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his Major League debut. Santo was feted during pregame ceremonies on Monday. The former Cubs third baseman, now a color analyst for WGN Radio, made his debut on June 26, 1960, in the first game of a Sunday doubleheader at Pittsburgh’s Forbes Field. He went 2-for-4 with three RBIs in the first game, including his first big league hit, a single off Bob Friend.

“I could never think about retiring,” Santo said. “I love what I do and then I have five months off to be with my grandchildren. I want to be here when they win. And I think I will.”

He was presented with a photo of the Wrigley Field marquee with the message, “Thank you Ron for 50 great years.”

– Carrie Muskat