Ryne Dee Sandberg was born on 18 September 1959, in Spokane, Washington USA, to Elizabeth, a nurse, and Derwent Sandberg, a mortician. He is a former professional baseball player, coach and manager, best known as a second baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs in Major League Baseball (MLB).
So just how loaded is Ryne Sandberg? Sources state that Sandberg has established a fortune OF over $13 million, as of mid-2017, amassed through his involvement in baseball.
Ryne Sandberg Net Worth $13 million
Sandberg grew up in Spokane, where he attended North Central High School, excelling in football and baseball. An avid quarterback, he was named to Parade Magazine’s High School All-America football team. Subsequently, the school named their baseball field after him.
His football success led Sandberg to be recruited to NCAA Division I colleges, signing a letter of intent with Washington State University. However, being selected in the 20th round of the 1978 baseball amateur draft by the Philadelphia Phillies made him give up his football career, choosing baseball instead. His net worth was at its start. After playing as a shortstop for the Phillies in 1981, Sandberg was traded to the Chicago Cubs the following year, being switched to third baseman and becoming one of the top-rated rookies that year. He then moved to second base in 1983, proving his versatility and becoming very skilled in his performances, winning his first Gold Glove Award that season; eight more would follow.
The following season became Sandberg’s breakout one, achieving extraordinary results, especially in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals, which saw him hitting two late-inning home runs off Cardinals’ Bruce Sutter, leading his team to a 12-11 victory, which saw him achieve a high level of fame. He led the Cubs to capture the National League’s Eastern Division title, their first championship since 1945, earning the National League MVP Award. The beginning of the next decade saw Sandberg leading the National League in home runs with 40, and being only the third second baseman to do so. He participated in the 1990 MLB All-Star Game, and won the Home Run Derby.
In 1992 he signed a $28.4 million, four-year extension worth $7.1 million a season, which made him the highest paid baseball player ever, so his net worth was considerably boosted. The same year he was included in the NL All-Star roster, earning an NL Silver Slugger Award.
After a less successful season in 1994, he decided to leave baseball, announcing his retirement. However, he returned to the Cubs, playing in seasons 1996 and 1997, and then officially retired from professional baseball, averaging .285 in career batting, with 277 home runs. His successful baseball career enabled him to earn significant wealth.
Sandberg went quiet for a number of years, then served as an analyst on ESPN Radio 1000 in 2004. The following year saw him become a spokesman for National City Bank, all added to his net worth. The same year he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and had his number 23 retired.
In 2006 he became the manager of the Cubs’ Class-A Peoria Chiefs in the Midwest League, taking his team to the Midwest League championship game in 2007. The following year he became the manager of the Class Double-A Team Tennessee Smokies in the Southern League, and then the manager of the Triple-A Iowa Cubs in 2009. A year later, he became the manager of the Phillies’ top minor-league affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, leading the team to their first-ever playoff appearance and the International League championship series. His fortune greatly increased.
In 2012 Sandberg became third base coach and infield instructor for the Phillies, and the team’s interim manager in 2013, before becoming their permanent manager later that year, signing a three-year deal, with an option for 2017. However, he resigned in 2015, after his team finished last in the National League East Division. Sandberg’s managerial career additionally improved his net worth.
In his personal life, Sandberg has been married twice, firstly to Cindy White from 1979 to 1995. – they have two children together. As of 1995, he has been married to Margaret Koehnemann, with whom he has five children.
Sandberg has been involved in charity, having founded an organization called Ryno Kid Care, providing help and enhancing the lives of children suffering from serious illnesses.
