Ryne Sandberg's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Ryne Sandberg. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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: Graduation and All-America Selection

In 1978, Ryne Sandberg graduated from North Central High School as a three-sport star and was named to Parade's High School All-America football team in the fall of 1978.

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.

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.

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: Baseball Field Named in Honor

In 1985, Ryne Sandberg had the baseball field at North Central High School named in his honor as "Ryne Sandberg Field", and his varsity number was retired in both football and baseball.

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.

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.

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.

2004: Kent Surpassed Home Runs

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

August 28, 2005: Number Retired at Wrigley Field

On August 28, 2005, Ryne Sandberg had his number 23 retired in a ceremony at Wrigley Field, becoming the fourth Chicago Cub to have his number retired.

2005: Hall of Fame Induction Speech

In 2005, Ryne Sandberg delivered a speech at his Hall of Fame induction ceremony, emphasizing respect for the game.

2005: Elected to Hall of Fame

In 2005, Ryne Sandberg was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

2007: Error Record Broken

In 1990, Ryne Sandberg played a then major league-record 123 straight games at second base without an error. This record was later broken in 2007 by Plácido Polanco.

2010: Dawson Elected to Hall of Fame

In 2005, Ryne Sandberg gave a speech at his Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and made a strong pitch for induction of his former teammate, Andre Dawson, who was ultimately elected to join the hall in 2010.

2010: Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year

In 2010, after leading Iowa to an 82–62 record, the Pacific Coast League named Ryne Sandberg its Manager of the Year.

2011: Named Minor League Manager of the Year

In 2011, Baseball America named Ryne Sandberg its Minor League Manager of the Year after he led the IronPigs to their first-ever playoff appearance and the International League championship series.

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.

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.

2017: Awarded Order of Lincoln

In 2017, Ryne Sandberg was inducted as a laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois and awarded the Order of Lincoln, the state's highest honor, by the governor of Illinois.

2024: Statue of Ryne Sandberg Dedicated

In 2024, the Statue of Ryne Sandberg was dedicated. The bronze sculpture is located at Gallagher Way, a park outside of Wrigley Field. The statue outlines his baseball achievements and includes the text of his Hall of Fame plaque.