The Ryne Sandberg & Ron Santo Years (1982-1996)

Lore & Background

After a slow start to his career, Sandberg made a name for himself on June 23, 1984, having a career game including two home runs in what colloquially became known as the "Sandberg Game". After that, Sandberg established himself as a perennial All-Star and Gold Glove candidate, making 10 consecutive All-Star appearances and winning nine consecutive Gold Gloves from 1983 to 1991. His career .989 fielding percentage was a major-league record at second base when he retired in 1997. He is tied with Jose Altuve for the most Silver Slugger Awards for a second baseman with seven. In 2005, Sandberg was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. (Note: Ron Santo, a legendary third baseman, was a key figure for the Cubs in the 1960s and 70s, not the 1982–1996 era.)

In Their Own Story

The late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the bleachers of Wrigley Field as the crowd hums in anticipation. Ryne Sandberg steps into the batter's box, adjusting his batting gloves with a practiced rhythm that has become familiar to thousands over the years. Behind him, Ron Santo takes his position at third base, his glove low and ready, watching the pitcher's mound with eyes that have seen decades of baseball magic. The crack of the bat echoes against the ivy-covered walls as Sandberg sends a line drive deep into center field, sending a roar through the stands that feels like it belongs to another time—a reminder that while championships are elusive, the moments of glory at home are eternal.

Reader's Guide

After his playing career, Sandberg coached in the minor leagues for the Cubs and Phillies organizations. After briefly serving as a base coach for the Phillies, he became the manager of the Phillies in the middle of the 2013 season, serving in the role until his resignation in the middle of the 2015 season.

Did You Know?

• Sandberg was named for relief pitcher Ryne Duren.
• He was a three-sport star at North Central High School and was named to Parade's High School All-America football team as a quarterback.
• Sandberg was drafted in the 20th round of the 1978 amateur draft by the Philadelphia Phillies.
• His one hit in his brief 1981 stint with the Phillies occurred at Wrigley Field using a bat borrowed from Larry Bowa.
• The trade that sent Sandberg and Bowa to the Cubs is considered one of the best in Cubs history and one of the worst in Phillies history.