Of note:
#9 Fergie Jenkins
#7 Ron Santo
#5 Billy Williams
#4 Ryne Sandberg
For over a decade, Ryne Sandberg was the face of the Cubs franchise. Number 23 provided a legion of dedicated followers a glimmer of hope that one day soon, their years of futility and suffering would end. His time on the North Side failed to provide a much-coveted World Series title -- or even a National League pennant -- to the Cubs' faithful.
However, due in large part to the emergence of "Ryno" during the 1984 season, the Cubs participated in their first post-season series in 39 years.
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This past offseason has perhaps opened a new chapter in Sandberg's relationship with the Cubs. After several years in retirement in Arizona, Sandberg threw his hat in the ring to become the Cubs' new manager. GM Jim Hendry preferred the experienced Lou Piniella, but offered Sandberg a managerial slot in the Cubs' farm system, telling him that after some experience, he could work his way up toward a major league coaching or managing job. Sandberg accepted and in 2007, at age 47, will be the manager of the low-A Peoria Chiefs this summer, once again riding the buses in the minor leagues. Given his quiet determination, it would not at all be a surprise to see Ryne Sandberg in a Cubs uniform again, someday managing the club at Wrigley Field.
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