Ryne Sandberg’s Return to Cubs Camp Makes an Impact, Energizes Hall of Famer

A Trip Down Memory Lane

MESA, Ariz. – On the flight to Arizona, Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg calculated the number of spring training camps he’d attended in uniform, from the time he was 18 years old until now.

His count included his rise through the Phillies’ system, drafted in 1978 and debuted in 1981. It then picked up with the Cubs and the 15 seasons he played for Chicago. After hanging up his cleats, Sandberg kept coming back – as a guest, coach, Phillies manager and Cubs ambassador.

There were two notable exceptions. In 2021, COVID-19 restrictions limited spring training access. And last year, Sandberg was undergoing cancer treatment.

A Dream Unfulfilled

“I even have my spring training dreams of being late on the field or late to the ballpark,” Sandberg said Sunday, standing on the edge of the agility field at the Cubs’ spring training complex. “Which has been going on for 40-some years.”

In the dream, he shows up at the ballpark, and the team’s already taking the field. He tries to pull his socks on, and they just won’t go. He looks up to check that the first pitch hasn’t happened yet – he could still make it.

“This goes on for hours of the whole night,” Sandberg said. “And there’s never a conclusion there. But I know the feeling of being late, and that was one of my No. 1 pet peeves as a player, so I was always hours early to the ballpark. And so I still have those dreams today, which is funny. And that’s how I know that it’s spring training and it’s baseball season again.”

A Consistent Battle

Sandberg is back in spring training despite resuming intensive treatment after announcing in December that his prostate cancer had returned and spread. He said Sunday that it’s a “consistent battle,” but he’s doing well.

“Like I told the players, people like Ryno and Hall of Famers, they make an impact like when they step in the room,” manager Craig Counsell said over the weekend. “And that’s what Ryno has done for us already.”

A Mutual Respect

Second baseman Nico Hoerner has appreciated over the years that even after all Sandberg accomplished in his career, he’s remained curious.

“He doesn’t talk like he has all the answers to everything,” Hoerner told the Sun-Times, “and he’s still interested in the game and learning about what we’re doing, and differences in training between then and now, or similarities.”

The feeling is mutual. Word got around to Sandberg that Hoerner was curious about the gloves the nine-time Gold Glove second baseman played with. So, Sandberg brought his gloves from 1984 and 1989 – both playoff years and Gold Glove seasons – with him to spring training this year.

A Legacy Lives On

Sandberg has been impressed over the past decade or so at how comfortable Cubs players have been approaching him to seek his expertise.

He met Matt Shaw, now the Cubs’ top prospect and the favorite to win the third base job out of camp, during the 2023 first-round picks’ Wrigley Field visit a year and a half ago. Then Shaw initiated a conversation with Sandberg at Cubs Convention.

“My impression: very, very sharp,” Sandberg said. “I’d call him a ball player; he knows the game, knows how to play the game. … I’m impressed with his headsiness, as far as baseball goes.”

Conclusion

Sandberg’s return to spring training has made a significant impact on the team, and his presence continues to energize the Hall of Famer. His stories, wisdom, and expertise have made a lasting impression on the current players, and his legacy lives on through the game of baseball.

FAQs

* What is Ryne Sandberg’s current health status?
Ryne Sandberg is currently undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, but he is doing well.
* How long has Sandberg been coming back to Cubs spring training?
Sandberg has been attending Cubs spring training camps for over 40 years, starting from his early 20s.
* What is Sandberg’s current role with the Cubs?
Sandberg is a guest and ambassador for the Chicago Cubs, and he attends spring training to share his expertise and provide guidance to the current players.
* How has Sandberg been able to stay connected with the game despite his health challenges?
Sandberg remains curious and interested in the game, and he continues to seek out opportunities to stay involved with the Cubs and other players.