A Legend Lost: Ryne Sandberg

Over the past two years, I have occasionally had the urge to post again on this blog, but nothing ever moved the needle enough for that to happen. The death of Ryne Sandberg yesterday changed that. I would be remiss not to say something noting the passing of this great ballplayer, my favorite player growing up and the subject of my first player collection. It's hard to put into words why the passing of a favorite player has meaning. But I think it is something at the intersection of the hopes of youth, the loss of youth, the grief of things lost along the way, and the recognition that everything is so fragile in life. 

So today, I just feel compelled to share an appreciation for what Ryne Sandberg meant to me. Even though I never met him (Chicago is a long way from here), many accounts vouch for his great treatment of fans. A few years ago, I sent him a card in the mail to be signed, along with his very reasonable fee. That card is my one direct connection of any sort to the man. But he meant a lot to us Cubs fans and played the game the right way. He seemed to be a man of character, which certainly showed up in the way he played the game. Anyway, the news of his passing was a gut punch for me, almost unexpectedly, so I felt compelled to share some of my collection of Ryno today.

Cover photo from my card collection binder: 

A bat I purchased probably 10 or more years ago on eBay. I always wanted one as a kid:

The front page of my player collection binder:

Some miscellaneous figures as well as a ball I've had since I was a kid. It was a send-in prize from a Wheaties cereal offer.

Finally, the card that I sent Ryno a few years back. It is one of my favorites, as I explained in this post: Wax Pack Wonders: The Best of Ryno

Not pictured are the only player jersey I own (home Cubs jersey of #23) as well as a Sandberg jersey shirt that I have.

As for blogging generally, I wanted to offer my apologies for not providing a proper message explaining I would be going on hiatus. It wasn't really planned, and a couple years slipped by in the struggles and responsibilities of life. I don't plan to be back on any permanent basis as a poster, but am grateful to all of you, especially those of you I've been able to still connect with during my time away. 

Rest in the peace of Christ, Mr. Sandberg.