Chicago Cubs: The 4 players who are on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore

Chicago Cubs: Ryne Sandberg belongs on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore

Acquired in arguably the most beneficial trade in Cubs history, Sandberg may have made his MLB debut with the Philadelphia Phillies, but he will always be associated with the Cubs.

As a second baseman, Sandberg redefined his position, combining extraordinary defensive skills with offensive prowess that made him a beacon of excellence on the diamond. Sandberg was a 10-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove winner and earned a Silver Slugger seven times.

Sandberg introduced himself to the baseball world during the summer of 1984, including a pair of memorable home runs against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field in a nationally televised game, tying the game in the ninth and 10th innings and helping the Cubs eventually win a classic Wrigley Field slugfest.

Those home runs were part of an MVP season for Sandberg as the Cubs won the National League East, pushing the Cubs into the postseason for the first time since 1945.

Sandberg’s legacy was further solidified in 2005 when the Cubs retired his jersey number 23. He was enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame that same season, a testament to his impact not only on the Cubs but also on the sport as a whole.