“I would like to thank the Southern Illinois Miners for giving me an opportunity to be a part of this great organization”, said Santana. “I would like to thank The Simmons Family, John and Jayne for building a great place and organization.”
“I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without Mike Pinto”, added Santana. “He gave me an opportunity and helped make me who I am today. Without him, I would not have gotten this far.”
For seven seasons, Santana has been a part of the Miners as a player and a coach. In 2007, Ralph joined the Miners in their inaugural season as a player in the final season of his professional career as a player. In 91 games, Ralph hit .342 with 126 hits (second all-time behind Carlos Mendez who broke the record this past season with 128 hits) and 67 runs scored. He hit 21 doubles, two triples, three home runs and stole 25 bases. He recorded 47 runs batted in, 51 walks and an on-base percentage of .430.
In addition to his on-field performance in 2007, Ralph was honored with a selection to the Frontier-League All-Star game as the starting second-baseman for the West Division team. Also, he was selected as a post-season all-star for his efforts throughout the season. Ralph still holds the single season batting record with the Miners for his .342 batting average.
“Ralph has been an integral part of everything we have done with the Miners since we started in helping build The Miners Way”, said Miners manager Mike Pinto. “He was a phenomenal player and has developed into one of the best coaches in the league. Ralph brought an energy and intensity and fun to the field every day. After eight years with me (two as a player and six as a coach), Ralph has become part of my family, almost like a son and always will be It won’t be the same without him.”
In 2008, Santana made his transition from the playing field to becoming a coach. From 2008 until this past-season in 2013, he coached all areas that concerned position players (hitting, base-running, fielding and first/third base coach). Under his direction, the Miners have never been worse than third in overall defense in their seven seasons of existence. He coached the Frontier League’s best defense in 2011 and 2012. The Miners finished second overall in 2007, 2009 and 2010. Southern Illinois finished third in 2008 and 2013.
In 2012 when the Miners not only claimed their first and only Frontier League Championship that Ralph was a part of, he also was named Frontier League Coach of the Year for his efforts with the Miners. Last season, Ralph coached the best offense in the league as the Miners finished first overall.
Santana is now going to have an opportunity to further teach kids the game of baseball.
“I’ve never had a summers off since I was 12 years old”, added Santana “Now I get a chance to spend more time with my family and it’s time now to step back and teach kids the great game of baseball.”
For six years, Ralph and Dr. Zimmerman have been working together after Ralph gave lessons to one of his sons.
“I know how difficult it is to build a business and I understand how Ralph needs to dedicate this summer to make that happen”, added Pinto. “I wish him the best of success as he brings the same work ethic he brought to the Miners into his new business.”
“I can’t forget about the fans and how much I love them”, continued Santana. “I thank all of them for supporting me and the team. I’ve had a great run and start with a brand new franchise to help set records and see records being broken. Being part of a championship team in 2012 will always be a memory I will hold on to. The Miners will always have a special place within me.”
