Blow Out the Candles February 25 My Favorite Player, A Marx Brother, A Giant HOFer, and Renior

My favorite player, Ron Santo, was born in Seattle, Washington on this date in 1940.  Although Ernie Banks is "Mr. Cub"(I think he copywrited it) no one personified the Cubs more than Ron Santo.  Everyone knows his accomplishments by now and you'll be hearing a lot more come Hall of Fame induction time so for today I'll just share some of my favorite items and maybe a little multimedia.

1961 Topps #35

I got this signed TTM right after his retirement in the mid 1970's.

 2009 UD Goudey

This is the smiliest photo of Ron I've ever seen.  Love it!

2001 UD Decade 1970's
What a happy card!

1964 Topps Stand Up

This is the rarest Santo vintage card in my collection.

2008 Ultimate #UJ-RS

This is an autographed replica of the flag that flies on the left field foul pole at Wrigley Field.

Negro Leagues and New York Giant Hall of Famer Monte Irvin is 92 today.

2005 Upper Deck Classic #70

Monte Irvin, Willie Mays and Henry Thompson

Monte played his last season (1956) for the Chicago Cubs

Zeppo Marx was born in New York City on this date in 1901.

 Harpo, Groucho, Zeppo and Chico

Zeppo, Harpo, Chico and Grocuho

Zeppo, the youngest of the five Marx Brothers appeared in the first five Marx Bros. films before giving up acting to become an agent.

French impressionist, Pierre August Renoir was born in Limoges, France on this date in 1841.

Here are some of his works:

 These works all reside at The Art Institute of Chicago.  Until our recent move we visited them regularly.  My favorite of these is Seascape.  

 Chrysanthemums, 1881/82

Seascape, 1879

Two Sisters (On the Terrace), 1881

Young Woman Sewing, 1879