12/5 Vicki Santo: “It was meant to be”

Vicki Santo says the family is thrilled at the news that Ron Santo is in the Hall of Fame. The long time Cubs third baseman was elected on Monday by the Veterans Committee. Santo’s teammate Billy Williams called Vicki with the news, which comes one year after Santo died. The induction ceremony will be July 22 in Cooperstown.

“I can see him sitting on the sofa here and he’d be pumping his fist in the air, saying, ‘Yes, yes,’” Vicki said. “We feel he was meant to be there.”

Although disappointed that Santo himself won’t be able to celebrate in Cooperstown, Vicki said the timing of the news coincides with Santo’s resiliency.

“To have this come after his passing, it just shows you can’t give up,” Vicki said. “I’m a believer in what’s meant to be. I believe he was meant to be in the Hall.”

She said the phone hasn’t stopped ringing, and some of Santo’s teammates have tried to get through to congratulate the family.

“For them, I think they’re just as excited,” Vicki said.

– Carrie Muskat