Ryne Sandberg leaves the Cubs' organization
Apparently, one disappointment is enough for Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg. After the Chicago Cubs recently tabbed Mike Quade to fill their vacant managerial position, the former second baseman announced on Thursday, 4 November, that he would not be returning
to the organization next year.
Looking to capitalize on his position and prestige within the storied franchise, Sandberg was hopeful that he would be chosen to serve as the Cubs’ manager, after spending the last four seasons in the club’s minor-league system. However, those plans were dashed
when the team hired Quade last month.
Despite Sandberg’s abrupt departure, Jim Hendry isn’t ruling out any possibilities for a future return. “I don’t think it was ever in his plans to be in the minor leagues after this year,” the Cubs general manager said. “Whatever opportunities he looks to is
up to him. He’ll always be welcome here. He knows that for the future, if he chooses he wants to come to spring training, that would be great. If he wants to pursue opportunities with someone else that would be up to him.”
When word of Quade’s hiring reached Sandberg, the 51-year-old was admittedly disappointed in losing out on the opportunity to coach his old squad. However, the 10-time all-star still feels as though he is presently capable of helming a major league club. No
matter what becomes of his situation, there are several out there who feel as though Sandberg will always be an integral part of the Cubs’ community.
“There’s no good-bye. He’s a Cub. He’ll be a Cub for life,” owner Tom Ricketts said Wednesday on Chicago’s ESPN 1000. “If he would like to explore some options with other teams to pursue some other opportunities that doesn’t really change anything with respect
to what he has accomplished for the team or what he means to the team. If that’s his decision then I wish him all the best, and he’s a Cub forever.”
Sandberg, a perennial fan favourite, will continue to weigh his options after declining a contract extension with the Iowa Cubs, Chicago’s Triple-A affiliate.
Tags: