Jeff Kent becomes the first player to hit 300 homers as a second baseman. The Dodger infielder, who surpassed Ryne Sandberg’s total of 277 last September, is the major league leader at this position, with Joe Gordon holding the American League record with 246 round-trippers.
2005 – Wade Boggs, a five-time batting champion, and Ryne Sandberg, a nine-time Gold Glove Award winner at second base, are elected to the Hall of Fame. Boggs becomes the 41st player elected to Cooperstown in his first year of eligibility, while receiving 474 of the record number of 516 votes cast (92%). Sandberg receives 393 votes, six more that the needed number. Relief pitchers Bruce Sutter (66.7%) and Goose Gossage (55%), and outfielders Jim Rice (59.5%) and Andre Dawson (52%), are the only other players to be named on at least half of the ballots cast. All four will be voted in over the next five years.
Jeff Kent hits two round-trippers to become the all-time home run leader of second basemen. The Astros infielder records his 278th dinger and 302nd overall to break Ryne Sandberg’s major league record established in 1997.
San Francisco Giants second baseman Jeff Kent, who hit .334 with 33 home runs and 125 RBI, outpoints teammate Barry Bonds to become the National League MVP. Bonds had 49 homers and scored 129 runs. Kent becomes the first second baseman to win the honor in since Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs won the award in 1984.
The Cubs beat the Phils, 11 – 3, but Curt Schilling racks up eight strikeouts to match J.R. Richard for the most Ks by a National League righty (313). He’ll finish with 319 strikeouts. Ryne Sandberg, in his final game at Wrigley Field, is 2 for 3 before leaving for a pinch runner in the 5th. He makes a curtain call in the 7th when Harry Caray sings. Kevin Tapani wins his 6th straight start.
In San Francisco, the Cubs pull off the first triple play in the majors this year, taking advantage of the infield fly rule and the wind to turn an odd one against the Giants. With two on, Stan Javier lofts a fly ball into shallow center field and umpire Bob Davidson waits before calling an infield fly. Three Cubs lunge for the ball before it bounces off center fielder Brian McRae’s glove and hits the ground for the first out. Kirk Rueter tries for third, but McRae’s throw beats him. Darryl Hamilton tries for second, but 3B Jose Hernandez’s throw to Ryne Sandberg nabs him to complete the triple play. The Giants will win the game, however, 4 – 2.
On April 26, 1997, Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs breaks Hall of Famer Joe Morgan’s major league record for most home runs by a second baseman. Sandberg’s 267th career home run at the position helps the Cubs to a 7-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
On June 11, 1996 The Cubs defeat the Phillies‚ 9 – 2‚ as they are led by OF Scott Bullett’s 5 hits and 4 runs batted in. Ryne Sandberg adds a bases-loaded triple.
1995 – Retired second baseman Ryne Sandberg announces that he will return to the major leagues in 1996. The ten-time All-Star signs a one-year contract to play for the Chicago Cubs.
On June 13, 1994, Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs gives up $16 million in salary by announcing his retirement at the age of 34. Sandberg, a notoriously slow early-season starter, found himself struggling even more so than usual early in the 1994 season. With his average at a career-low .238 and having recorded only…
Enjoy our free trial and start listening to games, interviews and shows! Ruth, Mantle, Aaron, and Seaver!