Former Coach and Hall of Fame Second Baseman was a legend
Ryne Sandberg is a Chicago Cubs legend, but he’s a legend in so many communities. He impacted lives in everything that he did. Taylor McGregor said it during the Cubs broadcast on July 28th, 2025 “I was told never to meet my idols, unless it was Ryne Sandberg. He was everything and more.” That was the truth. Ryne Sandberg was a great baseball player, and somehow a better human being.
While Sandberg had a managerial career in the minors with the Cubs and the MLB with the Philadelphia Phillies, his playing career was far superior. The Hall of Fame second baseman produced 10 All-Star seasons, 9 Gold Glove Awards, 7 Silver Slugger awards, and even led the National League in home runs in 1990. Ryno impacted many games as a Cub after his debut season with the Phillies in 1981, playing the final 15 years of his career in Chicago.
Sandberg had a game in 1984 where he hit a game tying home run in the 9th, and another game tying home run in the 10th. This was dubbed as the “Daily Double” by Harry Caray, and the game is known as the “Sandberg Game”, despite Willie McGee hitting for the cycle. Sandberg after this game cemented himself as one of the greatest Chicago Cubs to play the game. His number 23 would be retired by the Cubs organization in 2005.
Sandberg wasn’t just a hall of fame player, he was a hall of fame person. Sandberg dedicated his time to growing the game of baseball, whether that was coaching, signing autographs for fans, or partaking in community efforts. Sandberg just wanted to be part of the game, and part of people’s lives. While no longer in operation, the Sandberg family had a non-profit for the youth of Chicago called Ryno Kid Care that provided home cooked meals, mentors to underprivileged youth, and athletic opportunities to those who could use them. Sandberg was a man of the people.
Sandberg passed away today, July 28th at just 65 years old. He will be missed by so many, as he was loved by most around the game of baseball. He impacted my love for baseball and made me want to be the best defensive second baseman when I was growing up. Rest in peace, Ryno, Chicago and all of baseball loves you.
