As of 670 The Score’s 20th Anniversary on January 3rd, the station has begun to reveal (in chronological order) the Top 100 Chicago Sports Stories that have occurred since they first went on the air 20 years ago. Once all 100 of these “flashbacks” have been revealed, fans will be able to vote for which stories they believe are the most significant in the 20 year history of The Score. To see all of the Flashbacks that The Score has posted so far, please visit 670 The Score’s 20th Anniversary page.

December 3, 2010 – Ron Santo dies, later elected to Hall of Fame

After a battle with bladder cancer, Ron Santo passed away on Dec. 3, 2010 at the age of 70.

Santo, a Cubs icon who spent 14 seasons with the North Siders and another 20 years in the broadcast booth, also suffered from diabetes for most of his life, losing both of his legs to the disease.

Shortly after his death, friend and longtime broadcast partner Pat Hughes said, “He absolutely loved the Cubs. The Cubs have lost their biggest fan. He considered going to games therapeutic. He enjoyed himself in the booth right to the end.”

At the time of his death, Santo still hadn’t been elected to the Hall of Fame. Though players and members of the Cubs organization lobbied for Santo’s induction, the longtime Cub never saw his name in Cooperstown.

Just two days after the one-year anniversary of his death, however, Santo was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Golden Era Committee.

The nine-time All Star played 15 seasons, amassing a .277 batting average with 1,331 RBIs, 342 home runs and 2,254 career hits.

The Score will continue to release a new Flashback each weekday until they reach 100. Check back tomorrow for a new one, or check out all of the previous Flashbacks: 670 The Score’s 20th Anniversary »