Update to this post: Santo didn't make it. He needed 48 votes from the Veterans Committee and only got 39. Nine lousy votes short. Santo finished first among those players whose careers began in 1943 or later—Jim Kaat was next with 38 votes—but that can't be any consolation.

(You can learn the details of the Hall of Fame's byzantine process for voting in the veterans right here.)

Santo will next be eligible for consideration in two years.



In Monday's Chicago Tribune—the World's Greatest Almost Bankrupt NewspaperPhil Rogers explains the long, tortured path of Ron Santo's Baseball Hall of Fame candidacy. At noon Central Time today, the Hall will announce whether or not Santo has finally, finally, finally made the cut.

Here's how the HOF Web site summarizes #10's career:
Ron Santo was known both for his hitting and fielding prowess. He hit .277 with 365 doubles, 67 triples, 342 home runs, 1,331 RBIs and 1,138 runs in 2,243 games despite playing much of his career in an era when scoring was suppressed. The nine-time All-Star was an excellent defensive third baseman who earned five consecutive Gold Glove Awards (1964-68). Santo had 11 seasons of 20 or more home runs, including four straight of 30 or more. He had eight 90-plus RBI seasons, including four seasons with more than 100 and he had 12 seasons with 20 or more doubles.
The Hall of Fame Web site will carry the news of the voting results live at noon Central Time. I assume Santo will be watching it, but I wouldn't blame him if he took a pass and just waited for the yea or nay phone call.

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