Ryne Dee Sandberg

Early Life & Amateur Career

Ryne Dee Sandberg was born September 18, 1959, in Spokane, Washington. Named after Yankees pitcher Ryne Duren, he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball at North Central High School, earning a football scholarship offer from Washington State but instead signed with the Philadelphia Phillies after being drafted in the 20th round in 1978.

Professional Playing Career

Minor Leagues & Phillies Debut (1978-1981)

Sandberg rose quickly through Helena, Spartanburg, Reading, and Oklahoma City, showcasing speed and versatility at shortstop and third base. He received a September call-up with Philadelphia in 1981, appearing in 13 games.

Chicago Cubs Breakthrough (1982-1994)

Traded to the Cubs with Larry Bowa in January 1982, Sandberg transitioned permanently to second base in 1983, winning the first of nine consecutive Gold Gloves.

• 1984: Posted .314 AVG, 19 HR, 114 R, NL-leading 19 triples, and staged the legendary “Sandberg Game” on June 23 with two late HRs off Bruce Sutter, lifting Chicago to its first postseason since 1945; earned NL MVP.
• 1989-1992: Became the first 2B to hit 30+ HR in back-to-back seasons (30 in 1989, 40 in 1990). Signed a record $28.4 million contract in 1992.
• Retired mid-1994 amid personal struggles but returned 1996-1997, finishing with 2,386 hits, 282 HR, 344 SB, .285 AVG and a then-record .989 fielding pct at 2B.

Accolades

• 10× All-Star (1984-1993)
• 9× Gold Glove (1983-1991)
• 7× Silver Slugger (1984-85, 1988-92)
• NL MVP (1984)
• Number 23 retired by Cubs; Hall of Fame class of 2005.

Coaching & Managerial Career

After retirement, Sandberg managed Cubs affiliates from 2007-2010, winning Minor League Manager of the Year. Joining the Philadelphia Phillies staff in 2011, he became MLB manager in 2013, compiling a 119-159 record before resigning in June 2015.

Complete Works

MLB Seasons (Player)

1981 Phillies; 1982-1994, 1996-1997 Cubs.

Post-Playing Media & Appearances

• Analyst for Marquee Sports Network (Cubs)
• Autobiography contributor, motivational speaker
• Cameos in MLB documentaries and 30 for 30 retrospectives.

Net Worth & Endorsements

Estimated $25 million from playing contracts, coaching salaries, memorabilia, broadcasting, and endorsements with Rawlings and Upper Deck.

Awards & Honors

Personal Life & Philanthropy

Sandberg married high-school sweetheart Cindy White (1982-1995); they had two children, Justin and Lindsey. He wed Margaret Koehnemann in 1995, becoming step-father to her three children. Together they founded Ryno Kid Care, supporting children with serious illnesses.

Illness & Death

Sandberg revealed metastatic prostate cancer in January 2024. After a brief remission, the disease returned late 2024. He passed away at home in Lake Bluff, Illinois, on July 28, 2025, aged 65.

Legacy

A bronze statue unveiled outside Wrigley Field in 2024 immortalizes Sandberg’s defensive grace and leadership. His blend of power, speed, and glove work redefined the second-base position and inspired a generation of middle infielders.

Trivia & Fun Facts

• His 282 career HR were the most by a second baseman at retirement.
• Went 123 games without an error between 1989-1990, an NL record at the time.
• Named after flamethrowing pitcher Ryne Duren, making him one of few MLB players named for another.

Upcoming Tributes

The Cubs will host a “Ryno Day” celebration on Sept 18, 2025 (his birthday) featuring ceremonial first pitches by his grandchildren and a commemorative patch worn for the 2026 season.