Baseball lost a heavyweight this week, as Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg died of cancer at 65.
Sandberg didn’t hit home runs like Barry Bonds (282 vs. 762) and he didn’t hit for average like Tony Gwynn (.285 vs. .338). He was simply an inevitable force in the game, consistently excellent at the plate and in the field over a 16-year career, earning nine Gold Gloves, 10 All-Star appearances and the 1984 NL MVP award.
His calling card? “He was so consistent. That was his real trademark. Just ungodly consistent,” said one observer.
That might not be the most exciting legacy, but it’s legacy worthy of Cooperstown all the same.
We hope you’ve read up on Sandberg’s story, because he’ll be a part — if a small one — of this week’s quiz. We’ll also touch on the Hall of Fame, which inducted its Class of 2025, some NFL news and much more. You should also take time to play our daily Connections: Sports Edition!
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(Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic; top photos: Fabrice Coffrini / AFP, Otto Greule Jr., Jim McIsaac, Harry How / Getty Images, Frank Bowen IV / The Enquirer / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)