February 16 2011 Last updated at 11:52 AM ET
Keith Moreland will take Ron Santo's place on the Cubs' radio broadcast team, and he knows exactly what he's getting into as he steps in for the beloved announcer."I'm not a replacement for Ron Santo -- he's impossible to replace," Moreland said in a statement released Wednesday. "All I can do is be me and strive to connect and build a relationship with Cubs fans everywhere."
Santo, who died in December after years of battling various illnesses, spent 20 years in the Cubs' broadcast booth.
Though not quite as entrenched in Cubdom as his predecessor, Wrigley Field fans already are familiar with Moreland. He spent 1982-87 with the Cubs, playing mostly in the outfield but also seeing time at first base, third base and catcher. He also played for the Phillies (who originally drafted him), Padres, Tigers and Orioles.
He also has served as a fill-in analyst for Cubs radio and television broadcasts, though his primary job since his playing career ended has been with his alma mater. Moreland, 56, has served as an analyst for University of Texas baseball broadcasts the last 16 years and Longhorns football broadcasts the last nine years.
He'll join returning play-by-play announcer Pat Hughes with the Cubs.
"We're thrilled that Keith is returning to a full-time role within the Cubs family," Cubs president Crane Kenney said in a statement. "Keith was a popular player for six seasons with the Cubs and has maintained close ties with us since his retirement as a player with guest spots in our broadcast booths and appearances at our conventions. Keith will display the same passion, instincts and knowledge for the game during our WGN radio broadcasts as he did on the field."
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