Chicago Cubs: Ryne Sandberg will be coming back to the North Side yet again

Long before the Chicago Cubs went out and hired former Tampa Bay Rays skipper Joe Maddon to a surprising deal, fans were hoping that Ryne Sandberg would be given the opportunity to man the ship.

After spending a total of 16 years as a professional athlete, the 56-year-old Hall of Famer took a shot at coaching when he was hired by the Cubs in December of 2006.

This resulted in Ryno receiving some high praise considering how well he did from Class-A Peoria on up to the Triple-A affiliate Iowa Cubs where he led his team to an impressive 82-62 record and was named Manager of the Year in 2010.

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When the big league job became available, most people assumed that the Cubs would reach out to Sandberg after Lou Piniella figured he would be the one to replace him following his retirement from the game.

As we all know, Mike Quade ended up winning the job, resulting in Ryne returning to Philadelphia. He began his new journey in Philadelphia as the manager of their Triple-A affiliate.

For the second time in his managerial career, he worked his way through the minor league circuit but later became the third-base coach for the Phillies following the 2012 campaign.

Long-time skipper Charlie Manuel was later fired, opening the door for Sandberg on August 16. A three-year contract was signed soon after the 2013 season had come to an end.

Just two years later, the Phillies held a press conference regarding Ryne’s resignation following a horrific start to the 2015 campaign which had them in last place with a 26-48 record.

Now according to the Chicago Tribune, Sandberg will be returning home to the North Side of Chicago where he spent the majority of his big league career — this time as an ambassador.

The Cubs had him throw out the first pitch before Game 3 of the National League Division Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in town. It was the same night this dangerous lineup exploded for seven home runs, setting a postseason record.

Even second baseman Starlin Castro joined in with a solo homer of his own off right-hander Michael Wacha during the bottom of the fourth inning which tied things up at two apiece.