Ryne Sandberg

Verified Timeline

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.

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere at Wrigley Field shifted on June 23, 1984, as Sandberg faced Bruce Sutter. The score was 9–8 against his team in the ninth inning. Sandberg connected for a solo shot to left field, tying the game at 9–9. Tension mounted when the Cardinals scored two runs in the top of the 10th. With the bases empty and one out, Sandberg stepped up again. He drove a pitch deep into the stands, once more tying the game at 11–11. The crowd erupted as Harry Caray described the moment: 'What would the odds be if I told you that twice Sandberg would hit home runs off Bruce Sutter?' NBC announcer Bob Costas simply asked, 'Do you believe it?' Although Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog later called Sandberg 'the best baseball player I've ever seen,' the game is also remembered for Willie McGee hitting for the cycle. The Cubs secured the victory in the 11th inning on an RBI single by Dave Owen.

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 in 1977.
• Sandberg was drafted in the 20th round of the 1978 amateur draft by the Philadelphia Phillies.
• He made his MLB debut as a shortstop for the Phillies in 1981, getting one hit in six at-bats.
• The trade that sent Sandberg from the Phillies to the Cubs is considered one of the best in Cubs history and one of the worst in Phillies history.