Unraveling the Mystery: Ron Santo's Historic Moment
A tale of two baseball legends and a photo that sparks intrigue!
In this captivating image, we witness Ron Santo, a Hall of Famer, and Rusty Staub, a remarkable player in his own right, sharing a moment on the field. Staub, with his impressive stats and catchy nickname, "Le Grand Orange," spent three seasons with the Expos, leaving his mark on the game.
The photo captures Staub sliding into third, with Santo poised to receive a throw. A closer look reveals a fascinating detail: Santo's position right on third base, a crucial clue to unraveling this mystery.
But here's where it gets tricky...
Dating this photo is a puzzle. The key lies in Santo's hairstyle, which evolved over the years. By comparing it to a family photo from Ron Santo Day in 1971, we can narrow it down to that year.
Now, the controversy begins...
This photo could depict two different plays, and I'm here to present the evidence and let you decide!
In the first scenario, Staub, known for his power rather than speed, surprisingly stole third base. It was an unusual move, given his career stats. The pitcher, Ken Holtzman, might be seen here attempting to throw Staub out.
However, the second play suggests Staub was forced out at third, with the pitcher, Juan Pizarro, making a throw on a ground ball. Both setups are identical, leaving us with a fascinating dilemma.
And this is the part most people miss...
I lean towards the first play, as Staub's rare steal might have caught the photographer's eye. Additionally, the Cubs' performance in September 1971 suggests a July game is more likely to have been photographed.
So, which play do you think it is? Leave your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
