How “The Sandberg Game” Cemented Ryne Sandberg’s 1984 MVP Season and Hall of Fame Legacy.vc
Ryne Sandberg, a Hall of Fame second baseman for the Chicago Cubs, is best remembered for his unforgettable performance on June 23, 1984, in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals that cemented his MVP-winning season and defined his career.
That single performance, dubbed “The Sandberg Game,” was a national showcase of his superstar talent and knack for clutch hitting.
Facing the Cubs’ archrival St. Louis Cardinals, Sandberg single-handedly willed his team to a victory. He hit two game-tying home runs, both in late innings and both off the Cardinals’ Hall of Fame closer, Bruce Sutter.
- The First Homer: With the Cubs trailing 9-8 in the bottom of the ninth, Sandberg hit a solo shot off Sutter to tie the game and force extra innings.
- The Second Homer: After the Cardinals rallied for two runs in the top of the 10th, Sandberg came to the plate again, this time with a runner on, and blasted another two-run, game-tying homer off Sutter.
The Cubs would go on to win 12-11 in 11 innings, with Sandberg’s heroics propelling the team toward their first postseason appearance in 39 years and helping him secure the 1984 National League MVP Award.
A Lopsided Trade for the Ages
Before his storied career with the Cubs, Sandberg was initially drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 20th round of the 1978 draft. He made his MLB debut with the Phillies in 1981, appearing in just 13 games.
In January 1982, the Phillies traded him along with shortstop Larry Bowa to the Cubs for shortstop Iván de Jesus. The move would become one of the most lopsided trades in baseball history. The Phillies, who had perennial All-Star Mike Schmidt at third base and other infield prospects, viewed Sandberg as a mere utility player. Cubs General Manager Dallas Green, who had been in the Phillies organization when Sandberg was drafted, insisted he be included in the deal, a move that would define the Cubs franchise for a generation.
Legacy On and Off the Field
Sandberg’s 1984 MVP season was the cornerstone of a Hall of Fame career that included 10 All-Star selections, nine Gold Gloves, and seven Silver Slugger awards.
Since retiring, Sandberg has remained connected to baseball. He worked his way up as a minor league manager for several seasons before, in a moment of irony, returning to his original club. He was named the full-time manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, holding the position from 2013 until he resigned during the 2015 season, further cementing his legacy both on and off the field.
