Ryne Sandberg — Week of February 11^th

Ryne Sandberg MLB Hall of Fame Entry

Ryne Sandberg Career Stats

Ryne Sandberg, also known as “Ryno,” was born on September 18, 1959 in Spokane, Washington. He made his first major league debut as a shortstop for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1981. Thought to have little future with the club except as a utility infielder, Sandberg was traded to the Cubs for shortstop Ivan DeJesus prior to the 1982 season. Today, this trade is often considered one of the most lopsided trades in history.

The Cubs, who initially wanted Sandberg to play center field, installed him as their third baseman. Though he went on to be one of the top-rated rookies of 1982, Sandberg was displaced by Chicago's free- agent signing of veteran Ron Cey following the 1982 season. Thus, he moved to second base, where he became a star.

Ryne 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 is a major league record at second base.

Sandberg spent nearly his entire career with the Chicago Cubs, and he is recognized as one of the best second basemen of all time. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in January 2005, he was formally inducted in ceremonies on July 31, 2005. He is the current manager of the Peoria Chiefs.