Ryne Sandberg is reportedly returning to the Chicago Cubs in 2016 to serve as a special ambassador, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score.
The 56-year-old Sandberg played 15 seasons for the Cubs from 1982-97 and was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.
According to CBS Chicago, the exact details of Sandberg’s gig with the Cubs will “probably” be revealed during his scheduled appearance at this weekend’s Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago.
Carrie Muskat of MLB.com added the official announcement of Sandberg’s hiring from the team will come this weekend. He’s regarded as one of the greatest players in franchise history, getting his No. 23 retired the same year he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Sandberg has had an interesting relationship with the Cubs in recent years. He managed his way through their minor league system from 2006-10, with former Cubs skipper Lou Piniella saying prior to his retirement in 2010 that Sandberg would be in the mix to manage the MLB team, per MLB.com’s Andrew Simon.
However, the Cubs opted to hire Mike Quade, and Sandberg went to manage the Philadelphia Phillies‘ Triple-A team. He then took over as manager of the Phillies in August 2013 after Charlie Manuel was fired.
Following two rebuilding seasons with the Phillies, Sandberg resigned as manager last June. He’s since mended any fences with the Cubs, even throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley Field in October prior to the team’s National League Division Series Game 3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.
After last year’s breakout season in which the Cubs advanced to the National League Championship Series, 2016 is going to be a huge year for the franchise. Bringing back one of the key figures from years past, like Sandberg, will only increase the good vibes around the North Side of Chicago.
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