This Old Cub

This biography of Chicago Cubs announcer and former third baseman Ron Santo was produced by his son. It feels more like a documentary, and a loving one, than the usual slickly produced movie fare. It is hard to build up dramatic tension, and it was a mistake to try: even my wife (a lifetime Cubs fan) started to get irritated at the Hall of Fame references. But does the story of a good man have to have classical dramatic tension?

Ron Santo passed over better offers to play for the Cubs, and for 14 years was one of their (and baseball's) star players. He was on the '69 team that almost made it to the World Series (losing to the "Miracle Mets"). And he did it despite diabetes.

With both leadership skill and an infectiously cheerful spirit he became popular with players and fans, and kept playing on until his diabetes began to slow him down. For those who have the disease, imagine trying to play baseball while estimating your blood sugar levels without benefit of testing gear. Think of adjusting your blood sugar levels with a candy bar from your locker stash. Diabetes took first one and then his other leg, but he's soldiering on; walking and announcing and cheering "This is the year!"

If you're a baseball fan you've probably heard of Santo somewhere already, and are making plans to see the movie. Have fun!