Ryne Sandberg Career Hits Record

Lore & Background

Sandberg made a name for himself on June 23, 1984, in what became known as the "Sandberg Game," hitting two home runs off future Hall of Fame closer Bruce Sutter. He was named National League MVP in 1984, the first Cub to do so since Ernie Banks. He won nine consecutive Gold Gloves and seven Silver Slugger Awards (tied with Jose Altuve for most by a second baseman). He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.

Reader's Guide

Sandberg's career .989 fielding percentage was the major-league record for second basemen at the time of his retirement. He is tied with Jose Altuve for the most Silver Slugger Awards for a second baseman with seven. He made 10 consecutive All-Star appearances and won nine consecutive Gold Gloves.

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.
• He was drafted in the 20th round of the 1978 MLB draft by the Philadelphia Phillies.
• The trade that sent Sandberg to the Cubs is considered one of the best in Cubs history and one of the worst in Phillies history.
• In 1990, Sandberg led the National League in home runs with 40, becoming only the third second baseman to reach that mark.