Ryne Sandberg is a former professional baseball player, coach, and manager. Sandberg was recruited to play quarterback at NCAA Division I colleges, and eventually signed a letter of intent with Washington State University in Pullman.

He opted not to attend after being selected in the 20th round of the 1978 baseball amateur draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a second baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs for 16 years (1981–1994, 1996–1997). Sandberg established himself as a perennial All-Star and Gold Glove candidate, making 10 consecutive All-Star appearances and winning nine consecutive Gold Gloves from 1983 to 1991. His career .989 fielding percentage was a major-league record at second base when he retired in 1997.

Sandberg was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in January 2005; he was formally inducted in ceremonies on July 31, 2005. He resigned from his managerial duties for the Phillies on June 26, 2015 and was succeeded by Pete Mackanin.