MLB finds perfect way to salute Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg at Speedway Classic

The Chicago Cubs honored Ryne Sandberg on Saturday, ditching their traditional home uniforms in favor of the alternate blue tops, with each player having the No. 23 on the back of their jersey, Those were Sandberg's favorite jersey, and true to form, the Cubs did not have the last name of the players on the back of the jersey, a no to Sandberg's desire to play for the name on the front of the jersey.

In a moment that defined the beauty of baseball, the first pitch of the game from Cubs' pitcher Matthew Boyd to Baltimore Orioles' second baseman Jackson Holliday was hit to the recently acquired Willi Castro at second base, who fielded the ball and threw to first base for the first out of the game. For one final time, during an emotional day at Wrigley Field, a Cubs' second baseman wearing the No. 23 recorded an out.

Sandberg's legacy extended beyond the city of Chicago, and that was made apparent during Fox's broadcast of the MLB Speedway Classic between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds. Unfortunately, rain suspended the game until Sunday afternoon, but as part of the coverage, Fox aired a tribute to Sandberg, narrated by Rick Sutcliffe.

MLB event honors Cubs legend with a tearjerking Ryne Sandberg surprise

It's still surreal to think about all the emotions Cubs fans were faced with over the last week. From seeing Jon Lester at Wrigley Field last weekend, wearing a Sandberg jersey, to learning of his passing on Monday night. With all of that happening, the Cubs also hosted their annual Cubs for a Cure Radiothon, raising $750,660 in funding for cancer research.

Of course, the Cubs will continue to honor Sandberg's legacy throughout the remainder of the season, wearing a commemorative patch on their jerseys that includes Sandberg's number and signature.

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