Ryne Sandberg’s work ethic.
His professionalism.
His quiet leadership.
His refusal to complain.
Or hot dog.
Or show up an opponent.
These are the qualities Sandberg’s teammates elaborated upon Saturday at Wrigley Field after the veteran second baseman announced he will retire as a player after the end of this, his 15th season as a Cub.
“How many times do you get to play with a Hall-of-Famer?” asked Sandberg’s infield mate and close friend, first baseman Mark Grace. “I’ve been blessed to have played with three: Ryne Sandberg, Andre Dawson and Greg Maddux.”
“He’s something special,” said 24-year-old rookie third baseman Kevin Orie. “His numbers, his achievements are unbelievable.”
His fellow infielders–Shawon Dunston, Rey Sanchez, Orie and Grace–spoke more about qualities that don’t show up in the record book than Sandberg’s statistical achievements.
“Ryne has an unbelievable work ethic,” said Grace. “In all the years, I’ve never seen him miss a day of fielding grounders or batting practice. He never begged off when he was tired. He leads by example and sets an example for young players.”
Orie said he already has benefited from Sandberg’s example.
“I’ve only been with him a short time, but he definitely has had an influence on me,” said Orie. “He’s a class act, something special. He not only fields groundballs every day. He shags balls for others. He doesn’t have to do these things. Very probably we won’t see anyone like him again. There’s so much negative in this game.”
“Ryno is the best second baseman in my time,” said shortstop Dunston. “I can’t say about other times because I wasn’t there. He played every day. He played hurt and didn’t complain. He played when he was slumping and didn’t beg off. He helped me a lot.”
“I hate to see Ryno go,” said Sanchez, who might succeed Sandberg at second base. “I learned a lot from him. I learned to play hard. He helped me deal with the media.”
Grace called Sandberg “an old-school player, which I respect. He has hit more home runs than any second baseman, but he never has stood and watched one or shown up an opponent. He plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played. He respects the game and his opponent.”
“I’m proud to be a Cub. And I know Ryno is proud to be a Cub,” said Dunston. “It’s easy to say you’re proud to be a Brave or a Yankee.
“Ryno is a first-class guy. He’s never in trouble. He never complains. He just goes out and does his job. It bothers me to see some of the articles written about him.”
Grace said he had some notion that Sandberg would announce his retirement.
“It didn’t surprise me,” said Grace. “I know he had a contract that kicked in for another year if he did such and such. But I can read him pretty good. I doubt that our losing is a reason. He probably would do the same thing if we were in first or second place.”
Cubs manager Jim Riggleman was aware Sandberg was considering making 1997 his final season.
“Ryno and I talked a few times about this being his last year,” said Riggleman. “He said an announcement probably would be made after the All-Star Game.”
Riggleman felt it was appropriate Sandberg retire as a Cub.
“I could not imagine Larry Bird wearing any uniform but the Boston Celtics,” said Riggleman, “or Magic Johnson with the Lakers or Michael (Jordan) with the Bulls.”
Sandberg addressed this subject himself, saying, “I came in as a Cub, and that’s the way I want to finish.”
RYNO’S HIGHLIGHTS
1983: Earns first of nine Gold Gloves.
July 1984: Makes first All-Star start, going 1 for 4 at San Francisco.
October 1984: Chosen National League MVP, bats .368 in NL playoffs against Padres.
1989: Bats .400 in NL playoffs against Giants.
1990: Leads league with 40 homers and 116 runs scored.
1991: Becomes first second baseman in major-league history to win nine Gold Gloves.
June 13, 1994: Announces his retirement, less than two years into a four-year, $28 million contract.
April 1996: Returns to the Cubs after sitting out for 1 1/2 seasons.
April 26, 1997: Passes Joe Morgan to become the leader for home runs by a second baseman.
