Ron Santo could be Hall of Famer by noon today

I don't know much about Ron Santo or Baseball for that matter, but I thought I would post this article that I found who seems to know a lot more than me about the sport. I am more of a Football Guy when it comes to sports. Ron Santo looks like somebody who deserves to be in Baseballs Hall of Fame.

BY GORDON WITTENMYER gwittenmyer@suntimes.com

LAS VEGAS -- Cubs legend Ron Santo could use an 11 a.m. wakeup call today -- just to allow him to sleep a little better.

The Cubs' beloved announcer and nine-time All-Star third baseman is the favorite among 10 finalists on the veterans committee post-1942-players ballot for Hall of Fame induction today. And while he's trying to temper his emotions leading up to the announcement (noon Chicago time), he admits sleeping hasn't been easy of late.

''I've been rolling around a little bit, no doubt about it,'' Santo, who was the top vote-getter the last time the veterans committee convened and failed -- for the third straight time -- to elect a new member, said from his Scottsdale, Ariz., home.

The revamped system -- which this time narrowed the field to a finalist list before a final vote -- along with pressure on the committee to elect somebody may at last open the door for Santo to join teammates Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Fergie Jenkins in the Hall. He must be named on at least 75 percent of ballots submitted by up to 64 eligible voters.

''Nothing's going to change in my life if I don't get in,'' he said. ''I believe what I've done in baseball is Hall of Fame, and that would satisfy me immensely,'' he said. ''But it's not going to make a difference to [family, friends and fans who have reached out]. They're still going to be around if I don't get in. That's what means a lot to me.

''Am I excited about it? I've been so disappointed. This is my best chance, so don't get me wrong. But I thought I had a great chance [the past two elections]. You don't know.

''Hopefully, this is the year.''