The tour hits Des Moines next

The Ryne Sandberg Tour, that started in 2007 with the Peoria Chiefs game at Time Warner Cable Field, moves on to Des Moines, Iowa. That is where he will manage the I-Cubs, the PCL affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.

“I’ve been very pleased with the progression,” Sandberg said in a telephone interview today with the Des Moines Register. “Getting closer to the major leagues is very gratifying. I’m looking at this as another stepping stone.”

Sandberg, 50, replaces Bobby Dickerson, who has accepted an assignment in the minor leagues with the Baltimore Orioles.

“He’ll bring a level of excitement to the field and to the stadium,” Iowa Cubs general manager Sam Bernabe said. “He’s going to bring a buzz to the park everyday.

“We’re excited about being his next step toward becoming a big-league manager.”