I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. --Ryne Sandberg
This die-hard Cubs fan, along with millions of others, is mourning the passing of Ryne Sandberg, one of the greatest Cubs AND baseball players of all time. Yes, he's "still a baseball player." He was inducted in 2005 into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Below is his plaque in Cooperstown--I took that photo on my northeast baseball tour. Sandberg was a huge factor in me being a Cubs fan--he was in his playing prime when I started watching the Cubs on WGN back when I began staying home with my young sons. Sandberg was adorable. (There is nothing finer than a fit male body in a baseball uniform, just sayin'!!!) He is the reason (NOT Michael Jordan) that 23 is my favorite number.
He was one of the most beloved people in the sport, consistently described as "humble" and "approachable." Baseball truly was his life. He was at Cubs spring training this past year supporting the team despite difficult health and treatment issues. Here are a few of the accolades he earned at second base with the Cubs:
- 1984 National League MVP
- 10-time All Star
- 9 Gold Gloves
- 7 Silver Sluggers
- 1990 Home Run Derby Champ
In 2024 on the 40th anniversary of "The Sandberg Game" (I'll let you google that for yourself), the Cubs organization had the ceremony to unveil Sandberg's statue in Gallagher Way outside Wrigley Field.
Thank you, Ryno, for your huge contribution to my LOVE of baseball!
Leta
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