Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Chicago Cubs great Ryne Sandberg was one of the foremost players of the 1980s. Taking his place beside the greats of the game, such as George Brett and Cal Ripken, Sandberg represented the long-suffering Chicago faithful with a powerful bat and slick glove.
In 2164 games, including 15 seasons with Wrigley Field’s then-lovable losers and one season with the Philadelphia Phillies from 1981 through 1997, Sandberg swatted 2386 career hits and a career batting average of .285. He played in 10 straight All-Star Games, and in 2005, the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown enshrined him amongst the greats of the game.
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Monday, the 65-year-old Sandberg succumbed to a lengthy battle with cancer. In the days leading up to his passing, the baseball great sought out other Cubs greats and franchise stalwarts to say goodbye.
Long-time shortstop and Sandberg’s double-play partner, Shawon Dunston, appeared on the MLB Network Tuesday. Dunston teared up as he related Sandberg’s final days.
“As men, we don’t know how to say we love each other. So, it’s kind of touching, over the last couple of days, Ryne and I spoke on the phone,” said Dunston as he was overcome by emotion. “He wanted to speak to me. And Andre (Dawson). And Mark Grace … He told us that he loved us and he loved all you Cubs fans too … Go Cubs.”
Dunston was proud to tell the stories of Sandberg’s effect on the rest of the team, past and present. Sandberg didn’t get emotional after a big day or a bad day.
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“He played the game right. He played the game hard, and he always spoke about his teammates,” said Dunston. “It’s not about you, it’s about respecting the game … There are a lot of Cubs players who play like Ryne. Act like Ryne. Nico (Hoerner) plays like Ryne. He’s quiet, minds his business.”
Throughout the short interview, Dunston’s sense of loss was inescapable, as the same feeling engulfs the rest of baseball and especially the Cubs fanbase.
The Sandberg announced his passing via social media. He was surrounded by his wife Margaret, his children, and grandchildren.
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