Chicago Cubs: The Heroes of Wrigley Series presents Ryne Sandberg

One team’s scrap is another team’s legend.

Sandberg quickly became one of the league’s budding rising stars after being acquired by Chicago.  Initially being used as an outfielder and then a third baseman, Cubs manager eventually penciled him full-time at second base, a position he revolutionized.

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By 1984, he became one of the league’s best defensive second baseman.  His talents didn’t stop there though.  Ryno proved to be a multi-dimensional player, breaking out with a mammoth hitting season, as well.

For the first time in his young career, Sandberg reached the 200 hit plateau, hitting for a .314 batting average, scoring 114 runs with 36 two-baggers,19 triples, 19 home runs and driving in 84 runs.

As the Cubs magical ’84 ended in heartbreaking fashion in the playoffs against the San Diego Padres, the National League Eastern Division Champions found their leader for the future.

Outside of Chicago, Sandberg began to garner national attention as he was awarded the 1984 National League Most Valuable Player.