A true Cubs Great: Tribute to Ryne Sandberg

With two straight days of Cub-less baseball I thought it way past due to honor a Cubs Legend and one of the best second baseman of all-time. That's right Ryno was a one of kind. I miss the days when Harry Caray used to call his shots onto Waveland Avenue, followed later by the infamous, "Cubs Win! Cubs Win!" To highlight a sensational career Ryne Dee Sandberg (born in 1959) once held a record for 123 consecutive games without committing an error. His 282 career homeruns and 1,061 RBIs are near the top among all-time second basemen. His extraordinarily flair on defense and power at the plate made him a fan favorite in Chicago and an 10-time All-Star. He won the NL MVP in 1984 and 1990. The slugger's best year is considered to be 1990 as he hit 40 homeruns and drove in 100 RBIs.

Most Cub fans know Sandberg started his baseball career with the Phillies in 1981 and was traded with Larry Bowa in 1982 for Ivan DeJesus. He played only 13 games as a Phillie and converted from third to second base after joining the Cubs. While there Ryno won 9 gold gloves and maintained a .989 fielding percentage. He lead the Cubs to the playoffs in 1984 and 1989 against the Padres and Giants in the League Championship series. In these two playoff appearances Sandberg batted .385 while posting 15 hits and 6 RBIs. Since both series ended with defeat The Cubs living legend never got to play in the World Series. Yes, it's a damn shame. Such a world-class athlete definitely deserved the chance.

After 1994 Ryno declared he had no desire left to play the game and announced his retirement. In 1996 he returned to the delight of Wrigleyville, showing his old form again producing 25 homeruns and 92 RBIs. The next season he batted .264 compiling just 12 homeruns and driving in 64 runs. His records and achievements as a Cub speak volumes for the franchise. I think he will be remembered by many for his highlight game in 1984 against the Cardinals when he slugged two long balls, one in the 9th and 10th against Bruce Sutter which lead to a Cubs' victory. Now that his playing days are over Ryno has found a new calling as manager of the Cubs Single-A affiliate, the Peroria Chiefs.

The Cubs former dazzling second baseman was voted into the Hall of Fame in 2005. His acceptance speech showed what type of person he is and how much respect he has for the game. His 16-year tenure was filled with many great moments and heartbreaks. Nonetheless, Ryno's legacy will live on for decades to come. He was my favorite baseball player growing up in the early 90's and will always be my most coveted Cub. If only the Hall of Fame Great could have played one more year! Cheers to a magnificent career and successful run with the Chiefs. Ryno rocks FOREVER! Cubs rule, WOOOOOOOOOO!