Ryne Sandberg thought one thing was off.
Sandberg is used to being a part of panels on the Cubs Convention. However, in a twist Saturday morning, he was requested to sit down among the many crowd throughout the Ricketts household panel on the Sheraton Grand lodge. He questioned if he can be handed a microphone to reply questions.
Near the tip of the panel, chairman Tom Ricketts introduced Sandberg will probably be honored with a statue exterior Wrigley Field. The Cubs shared the information with Sandberg’s household Friday night time however wished to shock the Hall of Fame second baseman in entrance of a room filled with followers.
“They caught me a little bit off guard,” Sandberg mentioned with a smile.
Sandberg would be the fifth Cubs participant with a statue exterior Wrigley, becoming a member of Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Billy Williams and Fergie Jenkins. The tributes to the Cubs icons at the moment are a part of the redesigned “Statue Row” in Gallagher Way.
Sandberg, 63, admitted he’s thought in regards to the chance through the years, notably when the subject is introduced up by followers, although he’s tried to take care of a see-what-happens method. He additionally couldn’t assist however discover the open spots final yr throughout Jenkins’ statue unveiling.
“To be part of a structure and be a part of Wrigley Field, that means so much to me because Wrigley Field was always my friend and so friendly to me,” Sandberg mentioned Saturday. “I liked the environment and the followers and WGN TV and 162 video games broadcast, and the entire thing about it and the day video games. I appreciated the whole lot about that. And I believe the largest factor is it’s nonetheless the Wrigley Field that I do know.
“It’s a museum and a place that everybody comes across the country to watch Cubs games just because of Wrigley Field, so to have that outside of there and have the fans be able to see that and enjoy it along with my family, that’s pretty cool.”
The statue continues to be within the early creation phases, a course of that may take a yr to finish, establishing for a 2024 unveiling. One of the primary choices: the pose. Sandberg expects it will likely be a tough choice.
“I was all about offense and defense equally,” Sandberg mentioned. “And that was my goal to be the best at both. So I don’t know if I’ll be able to pick a pose, but it’ll get done. It’s supposed to be a fun process.”
Sandberg was named to the All-Star Game 10 instances, received 9 Gold Glove awards and 7 Silver Slugger awards in 15 seasons with the Cubs. He earned the National League MVP award in 1984 en path to being elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com