Watch This Old Cub

This Old Cub is a heartwarming and inspiring documentary film that tells the story of Ron Santo, a beloved former Chicago Cubs third baseman who also became one of the team's most beloved radio broadcasters. Directed by Jeff Santo, Ron Santo's son, the film chronicles the life and legacy of the iconic Chicago Cubs player and broadcaster.

The film takes a look at Ron Santo's life both on and off the field, chronicling his rise to fame as one of the best third basemen in baseball history, his years as a Cubs color commentator, and his tireless work as a fundraiser and advocate for juvenile diabetes research.

The film is largely driven by Ron Santo's own voice and recollections. Through a series of interviews conducted by his son Jeff, we get an inside look at the man behind the Cubs legend. We see Ron's childhood, his rise to fame and all the ups and downs in his life. We follow Ron's life through his time as a Major League player to his return as a broadcaster for the Cubs, where he developed a unique ability to convey his enthusiasm and love for the game to fans everywhere.

The film is also filled with interviews from former teammates, coaches, fans, and family members who share their personal stories and experiences of Ron Santo. Through these candid interviews, we get a sense of the immense impact that Ron had on those around him - both on and off the field.

Perhaps one of the most affecting aspects of the film is its depiction of Ron Santo's battle with diabetes. After being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in the 1960s, Ron had to endure the daily challenges of managing the disease while still playing Major League baseball. Many of his fellow players and fans had no idea he had diabetes, and Ron had to work hard to maintain his health while still performing at a high level on the field.

The film also explores Ron Santo's tireless work as an advocate for juvenile diabetes research. After retiring from baseball and becoming a Cubs broadcaster, Ron focused his attention on raising awareness and funds for the disease. Through his work with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Ron helped to raise millions of dollars for research, all while maintaining his characteristic enthusiasm and love for life.

The film's title, This Old Cub, serves as a reminder of Ron Santo's connection to the Chicago Cubs and their fans. The title comes from a line in Santo's signature song, "Cubbie Blue" which became the unofficial anthem of the Chicago Cubs. Like the song, the film celebrates Ron Santo's unbridled passion for the Cubs and the city of Chicago.

Overall, This Old Cub is a moving and powerful documentary that captures the life and legacy of one of baseball's most beloved figures. Through interviews with those who knew him, as well as archival footage and photos, we get a comprehensive look at Ron Santo, both the player and the man. The film is a must-see for any baseball fan, especially those who are fans of the Cubs or Ron Santo in particular. It is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to the game and to those around him.

This Old Cub is a 2004 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3 and a MetaScore of 53.