'Out of my hands'

Sandberg looking at bigger picture after missing Hall

Ryne Sandberg holds the career record for most home runs by a second baseman. Jonathan Daniel/Allsport

CHICAGO (AP) -- When the call with the news finally came, Ryne Sandberg was grateful, not disappointed.

Few players are lucky enough to even get their name on a Hall of Fame ballot. So while he was denied entry on his first try Tuesday, at least he was considered for the game's greatest honor.

"I did everything on the field and had a great time doing it. I enjoyed every minute of it," the former Chicago Cubs second baseman said. "If something happens in the future like the Hall of Fame, it's totally out of my hands. It's just nice to be thought of. ... It's really an honor."

Sandberg received 49.2 percent of the vote -- 244 votes -- on his first ballot, well below the 75 percent necessary for induction. But only 38 players have made it on their first try, with many having to wait several years to be selected.

Eddie Murray became the latest to be elected in his first year of eligibility while Gary Carter finally made it on his sixth try.

"They made two fine choices, Eddie Murray and Gary Carter, both well-deserving," Sandberg said. "I played against both of them and both definitely deserve to be there."

Sandberg was the best second baseman of his era. A 10-time All-Star, he holds the records for most homers as a second baseman (277) and highest fielding percentage at the position (.989).

The 1984 NL MVP and a nine-time Gold Glove winner, he hit .285 lifetime.

"To even be considered and be on the ballot, that's something I never dreamed about or thought about," said Sandberg, who began his career at third base. "I have to remember struggling through the minor leagues and struggling that first year as a rookie.

"I just have to keep things in perspective, that it's just great to be considered."

Going through a messy divorce, Sandberg retired unexpectedly in June 1994, citing a need to devote more time to his children. He came back in 1996 and played for two more years.

The layoff might have hurt his chances to be inducted this year, but Sandberg said he wouldn't change anything he's done.

"I played my career the way I had to play my career," he said. "I have no regrets with any part of it. That's just the way that it went."

What likely hurt Sandberg more was the Cubs' record. He played on just three winning teams in his 15 seasons in Chicago, was in the playoffs twice and never made it to the World Series.

The Cubs advanced to the NLCS twice while Sandberg was playing, losing to San Diego in 1984 and to San Francisco in 1989.

Still, Sandberg isn't feeling sorry for himself.

"I have a lovely family and wife to keep things in perspective," he said. "If I was to sit here and say I deserved an award, that doesn't sound very classy to me."

 

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