Cubs fans pay tribute to Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg

Though there was sun shining down at Gallagher Way outside of Wrigley FIeld, there was a cloud hovering over why droves of Cubs fans made the trek Friday to the North Side on a day when the Cubs were playing in Anaheim, California.

The fans came to pay tribute to one of the team’s greatest players, who embodied what it meant to be a Cub.

Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg died on July 28 after battling cancer, about a month after his statue unveiling. Sandberg redefined what it meant to be a second baseman and authored one of the greatest games in club history in 1984, dubbed the “Sandberg Game.” The Cubs hosted a public tribute at Gallagher Way to honor Sandberg’s life and view the private funeral service on the big screen.

“Ryne was the man,” said Roberto Ramos, who used to live across the street from Wrigley Field. “Still to this day, the things he’s always done, the pride that he carries, he’s definitely the Cub of Chicago.”

Ramos was dressed head to toe in blue, white and red Cubs gear. He had a construction helmet fixed atop his head with a makeshift horn affixed to the front. For him, it was a no-brainer to attend Friday’s tribute.

“We celebrate him because of the man he is,” Ramos said. “He wasn’t one of these flamboyant players who always had to be showboating it. He was a guy who played with his heart, and he showed it day in and day out. He wasn’t a big, crazy guy, loud mouth in the clubhouse, from what I heard.”

In 1984, Sandberg won the NL MVP for a 96-65 Cubs team that lost in the National League Championship Series. His achievements — 10-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove winner and a seven-time Silver Slugger — made him a Cubs legend. Fans latched onto his fundamental way of playing.

“Ryne was the kind of player any dad or youth coach could point to and say, ‘That’s the way you play the game,’ ” NBC broadcaster Bob Costas said at Sandberg’s memorial service. Costas also called the nationally televised “Sandberg Game” against the Cardinals.

Hall of Famers Frank Thomas, Jim Thome, Joe Torre and Ozzie Smith attended Sandberg’s funeral, a testament to the respect Sandberg garnered throughout the sport.

“On behalf of everyone here today and for so many more here in spirit, heartfelt sympathy to Margaret and the entire Sandberg family,” Costas said. “We recognize that the loss of Ryne is most deeply felt and most truly understood by those closest to him.

“We hope there’s a measure of comfort in knowing how admired, respected and beloved your husband, father, grandfather and brother was by those he played with, by Cub fans, of course, and also by baseball fans across America who might not have been Cub rooters.”

After his playing career, Sandberg embraced the role of Cubs ambassador, regularly showing up at Wrigley Field.

“[Sandberg] was the first player in my time that was of his stature,” said Michael Nichaelbojanowski, who has been a Cubs fan for more than 60 years. “I always admired him for how he carried himself and the way he performed on the field. He was a player who came to win, came to beat you, but played like a gentleman.”

Sandberg made his mark by remaining true to himself. He wasn’t the most boisterous personality or electric player, which is why his statue shows him in a fundamental defensive position rather than making some spectacular play. That everyman persona was one that captivated Cubs fans for generations, and will continue to do so after Sandberg’s death.

“[When Sandberg] had the blue and red on him, he showed pride with the Cubs,” Ramos said. “And that’s what he did day in and day out throughout his life.”