Ryne thanks fans for ‘field of dreams’

The Tribune’s story on Ryne Sandberg Day in 1997.

Never regarded as much of a speechmaker, Ryne Sandberg wowed a capacity Wrigley Field crowd Saturday with a dozen choice words.

“I truly lived my field of dreams right here at Wrigley Field,” Sandberg said.

Then, while white and blue balloons climbed in the sky and the public-address system played Nat “King” Cole’s “Unforgettable,” Sandberg, his wife, Margaret, and their five children jogged and walked a farewell lap around the ballpark that’s been Sandberg’s personal “Field of Dreams” for the last 15 years.

“Every athlete dreams of having his career end on a day like this,” said Sandberg at a pregame home plate ceremony. The Cubs and fans honored the 38-year-old Hall of Fame-bound second baseman who will retire as a player at season’s end next weekend.

“The balloons, the whole thing was incredible. An unbelievable, special day for me,” Sandberg said. “I’ll never forget it.”

The only sour note about Ryne Sandberg Day was that the Cubs blew a 2-0 lead in the ninth and lost 3-2 to the Phillies.

“I wanted to give something back to the fans. They’re the best,” Sandberg said. “It would have been nice. It just didn’t happen.”

The Cubs and fans saluted Sandberg with words and with gifts.

Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray said, “He’s the greatest second baseman that ever lived.”

Sandberg’s teammates presented him and Margaret a five-day ski vacation in Colorado . . . and a pair of crutches that Bob Patterson and Sammy Sosa carried to home plate. Cubs management gave Sandberg a new red Corvette.