The Voice of Reason

I disagree. First of all, I think it is self rightous for you to write like you know what was going on in Sandberg's personal life, AND to expect him to be a certain way (I guess, how you or others might have been). Really, how can you preach about what he did or how he should have acted unless you're him, going through the same things he went through? The answer is that you cannot. Different people handle situations differently - it's called being human individuals. There are also many people who take time off to deal with their personal problems, he just happens to be one of those people. Sorry that he did not measure up to your expectations, but I doubt he's losing sleep over it. Second, you could look at his respect for the game a little bit differently. Did you think maybe he left during 1994 BECAUSE of his respect for the game? He wasn't able to give his best effort, because of his personal problems. This half-hearted approach was not good enough, and he had to take time off to deal with his problems. This could be seen as SHOWING respect for the game, not the other way around. There are two sides to every coin. Are you the same dhaab that posts at STLTODAY? Yes, I'm the same one. Okay, my comments didn't conclude anything about what Ryno's personal problems were. I am merely stating that he was touting himself as someone who respects the game of baseball so much in his HOF speech. I think it's quite hypocritical for someone who quit on his last place team in the middle of a season to say something like that about himself. And you're correct in saying that his situation could be looked at in two different ways. Maybe he didn't think he could give it his best effort. BUT that is my whole point. No sports writers in Chicago ever thought to bring up the other side of it. Do you actually believe he would have quit if the 1994 Cubs were a great team and in first place at the time? We don't know what he would have done if the Cubs were in first place. What we do know is that his marriage was in trouble and he retired in an effort to save his marriage and take care of his family. I don't think that disrespects the game at all, just as it's not disrespectful for a player to take time to be with his wife during the birth of a child or to go be with his family during a time of crisis or death. It shows that baseball, while important, is not the most important thing. In fact not only does Sandberg's retirement raise my opinion of him as a ballplayer it does so as a human being. It shows that he had the proper priorities. Family is greater than a game. I think any of the HOFers that sat on that stage on Sunday would agree. It's quite apparent that you're grasping at straws in your attempt to throw mud on Sandberg's legacy. Excellent points, eloquently stated - just like Sandberg's speech.

dhaab wrote I'm not trying to flame here because I am new to this board, but I find it rather odd that no sports writers in Chicago have ever written about the controversy surrounding Sandberg quitting in the middle of the 1994 season. Don't get me wrong, I always loved watching Ryno play and was quite sure he would be a first ballot hall of famer...before 1994. IMO, Ryno quit on his teammates in the middle of a horrible season. That '94 Cubs team was a very bad team and was in dead last at the time he quit. They obviously had no post season hopes whatsoever. I realize that Sandberg had some personal problems he wanted to straighten out in his life, but how many other athletes in sports have to endure problems in their personal lives while they continue to play? How many of us every day working stiffs have to live through personal tragedies, yet continue to go to work every day through it all? IMO, the fact that Sandberg quit on his team like he did made him lose out on being a first ballot Hall of Famer. And the fact that he stood up there on the podium the other day and talked about how he had such a huge respect for the game seemed a bit over the top to me. Anyone who quits in the middle of a season when his team is in last place can't have that much respect for the game. Sorry if this pisses people off, but his speech seemed a bit self righteous to me.[/quote] __________________________________________________________ It's obvious you are a Cardinal fan and probably a McGwire supporter which may explain why you didn't like Ryno taking Steroid users to task. Are you just as concerned about the lack of respect for the game that McGwire showed during his "testimony" before congress?

Do they still play the blues in Chicago When baseball season rolls around When the snow melts away, Do the Cubbies still play In their ivy-covered burial ground When I was a boy they were my pride and joy But now they only bring fatigue To the home of the brave The land of the free And the doormat of the National League For the Complete verse go to: http://www.baseball-almanac.com/poetry/po_cubs.shtml Rumor has it that the late, great Steve Goodman's friend, Jimmy Buffett, will be singing the above song when he performs at Wrigley over Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, the song seems as appropriate now as it did 22 years ago when it was written.

Jimmy Leyland - He's won at both Florida and Pittsburgh with much smaller relative payrolls than the Cubs. Showed in post-season with both teams that he can handle pressure and the media spot light. His teams played good fundamental baseball. Man of principal who retired because team owner wasn't committed to maintaining a winning team. What's not to like?

I bet you had decendants at Gettysburg in 1863 who wined that Lincoln sounded like a bitter old man. As HOF speeches go, Sandberg's was one of the best. Yeah, because Ryno's speech really compares to the Gettysburg Address. I have no idea what point you're even trying to make, other than trying to be a huge jerk. As previously stated, my point was " As Hall Fame speeches go, Sandberg's was one of the best." An opinion shared by almost all baseball experts and pundits and the HOF's in attendance who heard Ryno's speech.

I bet you had decendants at Gettysburg in 1863 who wined that Lincoln sounded like a bitter old man. As HOF speeches go, Sandberg's was one of the best.

I bet you had decendants at Gettysburg in 1983 who wined that Lincoln sounded like a bitter old man. As HOF speeches go, Sandberg's was one of the best.

1984 Bleacher seat - $5. 1984 Old Style - $1.25 The look on Whitey Herzog's and Sutter's faces when the second home run went over the wall - PRICELESS!!!

Sandberg was the Anti-Sosa. He put the team first. I thought the shot at Sammy, selfish players and steroid abusers was dead solid perfect. Very classy speech by a very classy player.

The Rangers aren't that stupid.

Interesting ideas and perspective. http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/3835962?print=true

Hold on a second there Pardner. From the Stros forum: http://forums.espn.go.com/espn/thread?forumID=240&threadID=2121179&lastPostID=12250916

"Talent" and "valuable" are definitely not 2 words I would personally use to describe the Todd Hollandsworth that I have been watching the last 4 weeks. I'll be honest with you Hoops, I think the Cubs are missing a wonderful opportunity and should be sellers. Again, not to the point where they get rid of quality like Lee and ARam but sell the Perez, Holla, Raush, Remmy and maybe Burnitz and CPatt if the offers are right. Teams are willing to overpay and I'd take advantage of that if I were Hendry. I don't see a "If" in the above post.

It was a very dirty play but cut the Gladiator some slack, at least he stuck around for the whole game.

For those of you in the ST. Louis area, feel free to join me at Vaball's house. He has cordially extended an open to invitation to come and listen to the greatest Cubs/Cards game of all time.

Well said. Also, other players notice this when they make a decision where to play. Would you rather play in front of a supportive fan base like St. Louis and the way Chicago was or in front of a bunch of childish, mean and often stupid fans who think they know everything? Give me a break. Boston and New York, home of the world's "most gentle fans," never get any free agents do they. If you pay them, they will come. Hawkins insulted Cubs fans, he deserved to get booed.

As further evidenced by today's game, there is no way Hollandsworth should ever start in front of Murton again. No matter what the circumstances. Case closed. End of Story.

I grew up down south and speak from experience. Sox fans are insecure with a classic inferiority complex. They attempt to build up their low self-steem by putting down the Cubs and their fans. It's as simple as that.

Anybody know if he stayed for the whole game?

Just make them eat Kerry's deal for next year. If dugout dollars is correct, the difference in Manny and Kerry's pay is $7 million for 2006. Also, since Boston has been waiving Manny, I bet they'd roll the dice and give Wood an extension. Throw the Red Sox Dopriak and perhaps another prospect. The Cubs would owe Manny $38 in 2007 and 2008. Not bad considering his production. Also, w/ the Cubs brininging in fans by the millions, they'll most likely be raising revenue, so there shouldn't be a budget problem. If the Red Sox wanted a injury prone pitcher that's never won 15 games, why not just take A.J. Burnett - at least he's healthy now. Kerry Wood is damaged goods that no team would touch, let alone give an extension to.

you speak of these "stats" as if they matter or something. They only do if you are considering trading solid prospects for a mediocre, injury prone pitcher that wants $40 million for 4 years starting in 2006.

Isn't having one Kerry Wood on the payroll enough? Burnett's stats: Career W/L = 44 - 44. In six plus seson he's never won more than 12 games and only once pitched more than 200 innings in a season. Sounds like Kerry Wood Jr. to me.

Sammy Sosa says hi. Ah, yes, forgot about Sammy. I saw him in that Orioles game yesterday. He looks tiny now compared to a few years ago. What's been McGwire's secret to his lost bulk? Slimfast? Haven't you been banned yet? Mr. Vaball - I'd appreciate it if you weren't inflammatory. Thanks.

Sammy Sosa says hi. Ah, yes, forgot about Sammy. I saw him in that Orioles game yesterday. He looks tiny now compared to a few years ago. What's been McGwire's secret to his lost bulk? Slimfast?

JC wrote: "Personally, I don't equate irony with sarcasm. " Now I find that ironic.