Ryne Sandberg Biography

Ryne Dee Sandberg, nicknamed "Ryno," was an American professional baseball player, coach, and manager who lived from September 18, 1959, to July 28, 2025. He played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball as a shortstop for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1981 and later as a second baseman for the Chicago Cubs from 1982 to 1994 and again in 1996–1997. After a slow start, Sandberg gained recognition on June 23, 1984, with a standout performance featuring two home runs, later known as the "Sandberg Game." He became a perennial All-Star and Gold Glove contender, earning 10 consecutive All-Star selections and winning nine straight Gold Gloves from 1983 to 1991. Following his playing career, Sandberg served as a coach in the minor league systems of the Cubs and Phillies organizations. His high school baseball field was named "Ryne Sandberg Field" in 1985, and his varsity number was retired in both football and baseball. He chose not to attend college after being selected in the 20th round of the 1978 amateur draft by the Philadelphia Phillies.