Ron Santo
Date of Birth: 2/25/1940
Rookie Card Year: 1961
Investment Rating: 7.5
Overview
Ron Santo cards and autographed memorabilia holds a special place for Chicago baseball fans. Although he played for both the Cubs and the White Sox, Santo is best known as being a Cub. He was the heart and soul of the franchise for decades. Long after his retirement, he remained committed to the Cubs as a radio broadcaster.
Santo's rookie card is from the 1961 Topps Baseball set. He also has numerous other cards printed that same year that are also very popular with collectors. While they do not qualify as rookie cards because they're premiums and inserts, they are first-year cards. These include releases from Bazooka, Post Cereals, Jay Publishing and a Cubs team-issued card.
His first official autographed card was issued in 1999 Fleer Sports Illustrated Greats of the Game. In 2001, Santo's first memorabilia card, a game-used bat card, was included in 2001 Upper Deck Decade 1970's.
Ron Santo was a  frequent guest at regional sports collectibles and autograph shows. He was also a very willing in-person signer. Demand for Santo's signature remains consistent, even after his death in 2010. While there is still ample supply to meet that demand, eventually that will shift creating an increase in value for his signed memorabilia.
Ron Santo Rookie Card
1961 Topps Ron Santo RC #35
This card features a classic image of a classic Cub. The large Topps All-Star Rookie Trophy is a nice compliment to the card's overall appearance. Very few Gem Mint 10 copies of this card exist. They sell for well into the five figures when they come to auction.
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Autograph Guide
Ron Santo Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find an example of what Ron Santo's authentic signature looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company. Some of the trusted sources within the sports memorabilia market include the following companies: PSA, JSA, Steiner, Mounted Memories and Tristar. Click on any of the images below to view full size photos.
Ron Santo Cut Signature Exemplar:
Ron Santo Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Ron Santo signature autograph will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. Regardless of the type of item or when it was signed, look for the following signature features:
- The signature is written in cursive on an even horizontal plane with a slight lean to the right.
- The letters "R" and "S" are larger than the other letters.
- The "R" is unique and resembles a treble clef music symbol.
- The vowel letters each contain a small opening.
- The "S' is standard cursive with a upside down tear-drop shaped loop at the top.
- The "t" looks like a lower case cursive "l" that is then crossed.
- He often inscribes his jersey number "10."
Ron Santo Signed Baseball Pricing
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Ron Santo Signed Bat Pricing
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Ron Santo Signed Jersey Pricing
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Ron Santo Signed Photograph Pricing
Active Listings for Ron Santo Signed Photographs
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More Info
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Lee C.
Nice Articular. His cards I think are undervalue.