Ryne Sandberg

Hall of Fame second baseman for the Chicago Cubs, known for the "Sandberg Game" and nine consecutive Gold Gloves.

via Wikipedia: Ryne Sandberg · see source

Ryne Dee Sandberg (September 18, 1959 – July 28, 2025), nicknamed "Ryno", was an American professional baseball player, coach and manager. He played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a shortstop for the Philadelphia Phillies (1981) and a second baseman for the Chicago Cubs (1982–1994, 1996–1997).

Quick Facts

Position: Second baseman; Manager
Bats: Right
Born: 18 September 1959
Birthplace: Spokane, Washington, U.S.
Died: 28 July 2025
Place of death: Lake Bluff, Illinois, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: September 2

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. 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. 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.

Reader's Guide

Ryne Sandberg was born on September 18, 1959, in Spokane, Washington. He was a three-sport star at North Central High School and graduated in 1978. He was selected in the 20th round of the 1978 baseball amateur draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. Sandberg made his major-league debut as a shortstop for the Phillies in 1981.

He was traded to the Cubs prior to the 1982 season. The Cubs installed Sandberg as their third baseman, before shifting him to second base late in the season. After the Cubs acquired Ron Cey following the 1982 season, they moved Sandberg to second base full-time. He won the Gold Glove Award for second base in 1983, the first of nine consecutive such awards.

In 1984, Sandberg batted .314 with 200 hits, 114 runs, 36 doubles, 19 triples, 19 home runs, and 84 RBIs. He was named the National League Most Valuable Player. In 1985, Sandberg batted .305 with 26 home runs, 83 RBIs, 113 runs scored, and a career-high 54 stolen bases. In 1990, Sandberg led the National League in home runs with 40.

Did You Know?

The "Sandberg Game" on June 23, 1984, featured Sandberg hitting two home runs off future Hall of Fame closer Bruce Sutter.
Sandberg was a three-sport star at North Central High School and was named to Parade's High School All-America football team in 1977.