Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ryne Dee Sandberg, or “Ryno,” was born on September 18, 1959, in Spokane, Washington. He showed early passion and talent for baseball and was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 20th round of the 1978 MLB Draft, starting his professional career.
MLB Career: Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs
Philadelphia Phillies
Sandberg debuted with the Phillies in 1981 but his career soared after being traded to the Cubs on January 27, 1982, along with Larry Bowa for Iván de Jesus, marking a pivotal moment in Cubs history.
Chicago Cubs
Ryne Sandberg was a key player for the Chicago Cubs, playing 15 seasons from 1982-1994 and again in 1996-1997. As a second baseman, he excelled in defense and hitting, winning nine Gold Glove Awards and achieving a .989 career fielding percentage, a major-league record at retirement.
Sandberg was tied with Jose Altuve for the most Silver Slugger Awards by a second baseman, with seven. He hit 282 home runs, had 1,061 RBIs, and a career batting average of .285.
Hall of Fame Induction
Ryne Sandberg was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, solidifying his legacy. The Cubs retired his jersey number 23, and a statue honoring him will be unveiled at Wrigley Field in 2024.
Personal Life and Health Challenges
Family
Ryne Sandberg married Cindy White in 1979, had two children, and divorced in 1995. He married Margaret Koehnemann later that year. Sandberg is known as a family man and supports charitable endeavors.
Health
Sandberg has faced health challenges, including a December 2023 diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer. Despite a relapse and spread to other organs, he has fought the disease with intensive treatment. In a hopeful 2024 Instagram update, he reported PET scans and MRI tests showed no signs of cancer.
Managerial Career
After retiring, Sandberg became a coach and in 2009 was named manager of the Iowa Cubs, the Chicago Cubs’ Triple-A affiliate, gaining respect for his leadership and game knowledge.
Legacy and Impact on Baseball
Ryne Sandberg significantly impacted baseball, especially with the Chicago Cubs, setting a standard for second basemen with his offensive and defensive skills. His dedication and resilience inspire players and fans.
FAQ
When was Ryne Sandberg inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Ryne Sandberg was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.
How many Gold Glove Awards did Ryne Sandberg win?
Ryne Sandberg won nine Gold Glove Awards in his career.
What was Ryne Sandberg’s batting average?
Ryne Sandberg’s career batting average was .285.
What is significant about Sandberg’s fielding percentage?
Sandberg retired with a .989 fielding percentage at second base, a major-league record.
Who were the players in the Phillies-Cubs trade?
Phillies traded Ryne Sandberg and Larry Bowa to Cubs for Iván de Jesus.
What is Ryne Sandberg’s current health status?
As of 2024, Ryne Sandberg reports PET scans and MRI tests show no signs of his metastatic prostate cancer.
