ANAHEIM, Calif. — November 2, 2016 is a date forever etched in baseball history. On that night, the Chicago Cubs ended a 108-year World Series drought, capturing their first MLB championship since 1908. Starting on the mound in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series was current Los Angeles Angels pitcher Kyle Hendricks, who delivered 4.2 strong innings and allowed just one earned run in what became arguably the most important game in Cubs franchise history.
While many fans remember the epic Game 7 showdown and clutch performances from players like Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Ben Zobrist, one name that doesn’t come up enough is Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg — a Hall of Famer and cornerstone of Chicago baseball for over a decade.
Sandberg, who played 16 seasons in a Cubs uniform from 1981 to 1997, compiled an impressive 2,386 hits, 282 home runs, 344 stolen bases, nine Gold Glove Awards, and a career WAR of 68.0. Despite never winning a title during his playing days, Sandberg remained deeply invested in the Cubs organization long after retirement — and his presence made a lasting impact on the 2016 championship team.
I spoke with Kyle Hendricks about Sandberg’s influence behind the scenes.
“He was always coming by, always dropping down in the clubhouse,” Hendricks said. “Literally, what people say is so true — one of the most well-respected human beings in general.”
Hendricks noted how Sandberg’s legendary work ethic and humility resonated with the young Cubs roster during their historic postseason run.
“Just to be a part of that group… it kind of seemed like he was one of us for sure. It seemed like he was the one playing, in a way, during that time — which was so cool to have that connection. Everything he did for the organization was just amazing. Perfect.”
Sandberg wasn’t just a Cubs icon of the 1980s — he was a driving force in helping establish the championship mindset that finally brought a World Series title to Wrigley Field in 2016. His enduring leadership, both on and off the field, helped inspire a new generation of Cubs players to break the curse and deliver a long-awaited trophy to the North Side of Chicago.