ST. LOUIS -- Chicago Cubs players had their own tribute for the late Ron Santo as they took the field Sunday, the day the team’s former third baseman was being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The position players left the dugout in unison for the bottom of the first inning and they clicked their heels as they crossed the third-base foul line. Santo was known for celebrating on the field by clicking his heels.

The tribute was the brainchild of manager Dale Sveum and was openly embraced by the players.

Pitcher Travis Wood and catcher Steve Clevenger took the field separate from the other position players. Wood did not click his heels, but Clevenger did as he arrived at the home-plate area.

The Hall of Fame ceremonies were taking place in Cooperstown, N.Y. at the same time the Cubs-Cardinals game was beginning in St. Louis.

Cubs players also wore a Santo tribute patch on their uniforms Sunday. The patch had a large No. 10, as well as “2012” and “HOF” on it. The players will wear the patch one more time on Friday when they return from the road trip. Friday’s game is being dubbed “Ron Santo Day at Wrigley Field.”