Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg was born on this day in 1959. Considered the greatest defensive 2nd baseman of all time, he played during the heyday of the 80’s and 90’s Cubs when every game was broadcast across America on WGN. Kids around the country would come home from school and turn on WGN to watch the Cubs game. The 1984 season was magical for the Cubs. “The Sandberg” game, ending a 32 year playoff drought, and every home game played during the day because Wrigley Field still didn’t have lights. In January 2024 he announced that he had prostate cancer. He passed away 18 months later at his home in Lake Bluff, Illinois. On August 2, 2025, every Cubs player wore #23 in a gave vs the Orioles to honor “Ryno”. It’s been 30 years since he played, but go to a game a Wrigley Field today and you’ll see hundreds of Sandberg jerseys. Truly one of the most beloved Cubs of all time. He would have been 67 today. This is his 1st Sports Illustrated cover from 1992 graded at 6.0