As a cancer survivor, it always makes me a little more introspective whenever I hear of someone else dying from it. Just a day after the Hall of Fame welcomed 5 new members, it lost one when Cubs great Ryne Sandberg passed away after a battle with prostate cancer. As I usually do, here are 5 of my favorite Ryne Sandberg cards from my collection.
1987 Fleer
#639 Former MVP's
(Parker/Sandberg) (SSS)
To be honest, I wouldn't count this as a favorite of mine, but I had to include it since we lost both of these great men recently. I was all prepared to write how these two were division rivals during the late 80's, but I had completely forgotten that at the time Cincinati was in the NL West back when their were only 2 divisions in each league. That seem so weird to me now...
1990 Fleer
#625 Ryne Sandberg (POD)
How many players can say they have a game named after them? Sandberg became a household name on June 23, 1984 when he launched a game-tying home run in the 9th inning against fellow Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter, then tied the game again in the 10th with yet another home run against Sutter! The "Ryne Sandberg Game" was the pinnacle of an MVP season for Ryno.
1990 Upper Deck
#324 Ryne Sandberg
One of the best defensive second basemen of all time, his 9 Gold Gloves are second only to Roberto Alomar. All those Gold Gloves came consecutively from 1983 to 1991. Looking through my collection, I was surprised to find not many of his cards showcased his defensive mastery. This card is far and away one of his best!
1991 Score
#815 Ryne Sandberg (MOY)
It's hard to believe that actually retired twice in his career. The first time was in 1994, but he back and played in 1996 and 1997 before retiring for good. When he did retire, he held the record for most home runs by a second baseman as well as the highest fielding percentage at that position. An MVP Award, 9 Gold Gloves, 7 Silver Sluggers, and a 10-time All-Star, Sandberg is also one of just 5 players to have both a 50 steal season and a 40 home run season.
1992 Score
#442 Ryne Sandberg (DT)
It's mind-boggling that despite all these accolades, it took Sandberg 3 tries before getting elected to the Hall of Fame! Even when he did in 2005, it was with just 76.2% of the votes. Ryne Sandberg is one of the greatest 2nd Baseman of all-time, and excelled like no one else at his position in hitting, running, and fielding!
Rest In Peace, Mr. Sandberg! Your legacy will never be forgotten!
