The Cubs' Ron Santo, An Inspiring Figure, Has Died

toggle caption Robert H. Houston/AP

Before we get even more overwhelmed by the day's breaking news, let's pause to remember Ron Santo.

The Chicago Tribune's lead story at this moment begins with this sad news:

"Legendary Chicago Cubs player and broadcaster Ron Santo died Thursday night in Arizona. He was 70."

Chicago's WGN-AM 720 says Santo "died of complications from bladder cancer."

NPR's Scott Simon, who like many Cubs fans lives and dies for the team, sends us this:

"The darndest things happened to Ron Santo. He was an all-star third baseman who would click his heels in a dance when the Cubs won -- who then lost his legs to diabetes. "He was a sturdy, handsome man -- whose toupee once caught fire when he got too close to a heater in the Cub press box. "Ernie Banks is Mr. Cub. But I've always thought that Ron Santo said something about the heart of baseball, which the Cubs exemplify: no matter how much you lose, know that you are lucky to play a game for a living. Especially in front of those fans, in that place. Be loyal, be kind, have a brew with your pals, and count your blessings, 'cause life is short and should be cherished. "To those of us who are diabetics, too, he exemplified a special kind of courage. He was told as a kid that he could never play pro sports, but he became a Cub (and briefly a White Sock), an all-star, and one of the most inspiring figures on the field."

The Cubs are remembering Santo here.