Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ryne Sandberg

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ryne Sandberg made an impact.

Ryne Sandberg, nicknamed "Ryno", is a former MLB second baseman, playing 16 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies and primarily the Chicago Cubs. Known for his consistent fielding and offensive contributions, Sandberg was a 10-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove winner, and seven-time Silver Slugger. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. After his playing career, he pursued coaching and managing roles, including a stint as manager for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1945: First Championship Since

In 1984, Ryne Sandberg lead the Cubs to their first championship since 1945.

1958: First MVP Since Banks

In 1984, Ryne Sandberg won the National League Most Valuable Player Award, the first by a Cub since Ernie Banks' back-to-back honors in 1958 and 1959.

1959: First MVP Since Banks

In 1984, Ryne Sandberg won the National League Most Valuable Player Award, the first by a Cub since Ernie Banks' back-to-back honors in 1958 and 1959.

1978: Phillies Draft

In 1978, Ryne Sandberg was selected in the 20th round of the baseball amateur draft by the Philadelphia Phillies, opting not to attend Washington State University where he had signed a letter of intent to play quarterback.

1978: Professional Career Begins

In 1978, at age 18, Ryne Sandberg began his professional career after being drafted by the Phillies, playing for the Helena Phillies in the rookie-level Pioneer League as a shortstop.

1979: Plays for Spartanburg Phillies

In 1979, Ryne Sandberg played for the Class A Spartanburg Phillies in the Western Carolinas League, continuing to play shortstop.

1980: Plays for Reading Phillies

In 1980, Ryne Sandberg played for the Class AA Reading Phillies of the Eastern League, hitting .310 and being selected to the Eastern League All-Star team.

1981: Major League Debut

In 1981, Ryne Sandberg made his major-league debut as a shortstop for the Philadelphia Phillies.

1981: Plays for Oklahoma City 89ers

In 1981, Ryne Sandberg played for the Class AAA level Oklahoma City 89ers before being called up by the Philadelphia Phillies.

1982: Rookie Third Baseman

Initially intended to play center field, Ryne Sandberg was installed as the Cubs' third baseman and was one of the top-rated rookies of 1982.

1982: Traded to the Cubs

Prior to the 1982 season, Ryne Sandberg was traded along with Larry Bowa to the Chicago Cubs for shortstop Iván DeJesús.

1983: DeJesus leads to World Series

In 1983, Iván DeJesus helped anchor the Phillies infield on their way to the World Series. DeJesus was the player Sandberg was traded for.

June 23, 1984: Career Game

On June 23, 1984, Ryne Sandberg had a career game, including two home runs, in what became known as the “Sandberg Game”.

1984: Breakout Season

In 1984, Ryne Sandberg had a breakout season, batting .314, leading the National League in runs and triples, and winning the National League Most Valuable Player Award.

1984: Home Run Against Sutter

In 1984, Ryne Sandberg slugged a solo home run in the ninth inning against the Cardinals' ace closer, Bruce Sutter, tying the game.

1985: Bowa's Career Ends

In 1985, Larry Bowa's playing career ended after the season. Bowa had been traded with Sandberg to the Cubs.

1985: 20-50 Club

In 1985, Ryne Sandberg batted .305 with 26 home runs and a career-high 54 stolen bases, joining the 20–50 club with his combination of power and speed.

1985: Dozier Reaches 40 Home Runs

In 1990, Ryne Sandberg led the National League in home runs with 40. Sandberg, Brady Anderson, Barry Bonds, Ronald Acuña, Jr., and Shohei Ohtani are the only players to have both a 40-homer (1990) and 50-steal (1985) season during their careers.

1988: DeJesus Out of Baseball

In 1988, Iván DeJesus was out of baseball. DeJesus was the player Sandberg was traded for.

1990: Led National League in Home Runs

In 1990, Ryne Sandberg led the National League in home runs with 40. He also batted in 100 runs.

1990: All Star Game at Wrigley Field

In 1990, Ryne Sandberg played in front of his hometown fans in the MLB All-Star Game, which was held in Wrigley Field. Sandberg also won the Home Run Derby.

1991: Ninth Consecutive Gold Glove

In 1991, Ryne Sandberg batted .291 with 26 home runs and 100 RBIs, winning his ninth consecutive Gold Glove at second base.

March 2, 1992: Highest-Paid Player

On March 2, 1992, Ryne Sandberg became the highest-paid player in baseball, signing a $28.4 million four-year extension.

June 13, 1994: Retirement Announcement

On June 13, 1994, Ryne Sandberg announced his retirement from baseball due to struggling performance.

1996: Returned to Chicago Cubs

Ryne Sandberg returned to the Chicago Cubs for the 1996 and 1997 seasons

September 21, 1997: Final Game and Hit

On September 21, 1997, Ryne Sandberg had his final game at Wrigley Field and final career hit. This was also the final Wrigley Field game for Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray.

2004: Kent Surpassed Home Runs

In 2004, Jeff Kent surpassed Ryne Sandberg's career record of 277 home runs as a second baseman.

December 5, 2006: Named Manager of Peoria Chiefs

On December 5, 2006, Ryne Sandberg was named manager of the Cubs' Class-A Peoria Chiefs in the Midwest League.

December 2008: Promoted to Manager of Tennessee Smokies

In December 2008, Ryne Sandberg was promoted to manager of the Class Double-A Team Tennessee Smokies in the Southern League.

December 2009: Promoted to Manager of Iowa Cubs

In December 2009, Ryne Sandberg was promoted to manager of the Triple-A Iowa Cubs.

November 15, 2010: Left Cubs for Phillies Organization

On November 15, 2010, Ryne Sandberg left the Cubs organization and returned to his original organization as manager of the Phillies' top minor-league affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

2010: Missed Cubs Manager Opportunity

In 2010, despite Lou Piniella's suggestion that Ryne Sandberg would be in the running to replace him as manager of the Chicago Cubs after his retirement, the position was given to interim manager Mike Quade.

2012: Promoted to Phillies Third-Base Coach

After the 2012 season, Ryne Sandberg was promoted to third-base coach and infield instructor of the Philadelphia Phillies.

August 16, 2013: Named Interim Manager of the Phillies

On August 16, 2013, Ryne Sandberg was promoted to interim manager of the Philadelphia Phillies after they fired Charlie Manuel.

August 18, 2013: First Win as a Manager

On August 18, 2013, Ryne Sandberg earned his first win as a manager against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

September 22, 2013: Named Permanent Manager of Phillies

On September 22, 2013, Ryne Sandberg was named permanent manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, with a three-year contract and an option for 2017.

April 26, 2015: 100th Win as Major League Manager

On April 26, 2015, Ryne Sandberg earned his 100th win as a major league manager with a 5–4 win against the Atlanta Braves.

June 26, 2015: Resigned from Phillies

On June 26, 2015, Ryne Sandberg resigned from his managerial duties for the Phillies.

2015: Home Run Derby Win in Home Stadium

In 1990, Ryne Sandberg played in front of his hometown fans in the MLB All-Star Game, which was held in Wrigley Field. Not until the Cincinnati Reds' Todd Frazier in 2015 did another player win the Home Run Derby in their home stadium.

2016: Dozier Reaches 40 Home Runs

In 1990, Ryne Sandberg led the National League in home runs with 40. Not until Brian Dozier in 2016 did an American League second baseman reached 40 home runs.

2016: Joined Cubs as Goodwill Ambassador

In 2016, Ryne Sandberg joined the Cubs organization as a goodwill ambassador, making public appearances at Cubs-related events and attending games to meet fans. He also serves as an occasional color commentator for the team's telecasts on Marquee Sports Network.