The baseball community is mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, who passed away at the age of 65. For a generation of Cubs fans, he was more than just a player; he was simply known as ‘Ryno.’
Sandberg’s impact can be traced back to 1984, a pivotal year for both him and the Cubs. With Van Halen’s ‘Jump’ as the soundtrack on WGN, an expansive national network, millions of baseball enthusiasts tuned in as the Cubs made their first postseason appearance since 1945. Sandberg showcased his talents memorably by hitting two home runs off Hall of Fame closer Bruce Sutter during a dramatic game against the Cardinals. That season, he earned the MVP award, contributing to the Cubs’ success in the NL East and their advancement to the NLCS. Alongside center fielder Bob Dernier, he formed a formidable duo known as the ‘Daily Double.’
Within the hearts of Cubs fans, Sandberg stood alone as a cherished figure. Before another player rose to fame, Ryno dominated the Chicago sports scene while wearing his iconic jersey number 23.
The Cubs made another playoff run in 1989, with Sandberg solidifying his status as a franchise legend. His prime years spanned from 1982 to 1992, during which he consistently played at least 153 games for ten out of eleven seasons. Remarkably, he recorded a stretch with no errors while showcasing exceptional range at second base. In his career, he stole 54 bases in a single season and achieved over 30 steals five times, ultimately ending his tenure with the highest number of home runs by a second baseman. An impressive 19 triples in one season and five seasons hitting above .300 highlighted his exceptional all-around skill set.
At the time Sandberg rose to prominence, the advent of cable television allowed countless Cubs fans nationwide to experience his brilliance on a daily basis. With a combination of consistent fielding, thrilling power, and quick speed, he became a favorite among fans, particularly young children watching games with their parents.
Many from that generation will recall the baseball cards made for Little League pictures, with the favorite player slot almost always filled by RYNE SANDBERG. Coaches used his name to inspire kids approaching the second base position, and his trademark hunched batting stance became a common imitation among young players.
On social media the evening of his passing, countless individuals, some who seldom commented on Major League Baseball before, shared sentiments like, ‘Ryno was my favorite player growing up,’ revealing the widespread impact he had. This reaction was unsurprising to those who, like me, grew up in Central Indiana — an area dominated by Cubs fans and a love for Sandberg. He was admired even by those with little interest in baseball, though many of them mispronounced his name as ‘Ryan,’ much to the annoyance of the kids who aspired to emulate his style.
For countless children in the Midwest during the ’80s, Sandberg was the equivalent of Michael Jordan in the late ’90s, a figure who defined an era. We remember him donning his signature sunglasses while executing routine defensive plays that seemed effortless. We can envision him smoothing the dirt with his foot before each at-bat and making crossing home plate look subdued despite the excitement of a home run.
Sandberg embodied the heart and soul of the Cubs for a decade, capturing the affection of generations of fans. Thank you, Ryno, for the unforgettable moments and the lasting impact you’ve made on so many lives, including mine.
