Ryno invigorated by return to Cubs camp?

MESA, Ariz. -- Ryne Sandberg was in conversation on the agility field at the Cubs’ complex on Saturday morning, when he received a tap on his left shoulder. The Hall of Famer turned and lit up at the sight of his former teammates, Mark Grace and Shawon Dunston.

After the trio of long-time infield partners shared a few hugs, they joined Cubs greats Fergie Jenkins and Rick Sutcliffe in a circle and went down memory lane. The group had fits of laughter as they each spun stories, while the current team began to warm up for the day’s workout behind them.

“In a lot of ways,” Sandberg said on Sunday, “it takes us back to our late 20s and 30s, being players. And the stories just continue and pick right up as if I saw them last week. It was a great surprise.”

The surprise Sandberg referenced was seeing Grace and Dunston, who did not alert their old friend that they were going to be at Cubs camp. Sandberg, 65, arrived a few days earlier, joining Jenkins and Sutcliffe as alumni with carte blanche to roam the practice fields and interact with players and staff.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell -- who joined the circle of Cubs greats to hear some of the tales being spun -- said “smart players” capitalize on the chance to pick the brains of the legends on the field. Between them, the five Cubs icons in camp this weekend boast 21 All-Star nods, 13 Gold Gloves, seven Silver Sluggers, two Cy Young Awards, one MVP plaque and a Rookie of the Year trophy.

“I told the players,” Counsell said, “‘People like Ryno and Hall of Famers, they make an impact when they step in the room.’ That’s what Ryno’s done for us already. He’s made an impact the two days he’s been here. He’s made an impact. And we’re thankful for that, absolutely.”

Not only are the Cubs thrilled to have Sandberg in camp, but the Hall of Famer has loved being back around the ballfields, too.

On his flight to Arizona, Sandberg was trying to recall how many Spring Trainings he had attended. Since he was an 18-year-old Phillies draftee, he estimated that he has been to nearly all of the 47 Spring Trainings either as a player, coach, manager or guest. One exception was in 2021 due to the lingering pandemic protocols. The other was last year, when Sandberg was undergoing treatment for cancer.

Sandberg, who made a point to keep Cubs fans informed on his ongoing battle, announced in December that his prostate cancer had relapsed and spread to other organs. He noted on Sunday that he will be going back and forth between Arizona and Chicago for treatment, but is feeling good and upbeat right now.

“I’m doing fine,” Sandberg said. “I’m feeling good. It feels good to be out here, fresh air, sunshine, around the guys. I mean, it feels really good. I played golf [Saturday], so things are going well. A consistent battle, but I’m doing well.”

Sandberg did not want to miss out on another Spring Training and the Cubs’ players have enjoyed seeing him in camp, too.

Cubs veteran Ian Happ remembers how Sandberg offered advice years ago when the outfielder was trying to learn the ropes at second base. Happ has appreciated how open Sandberg has been for chats with him and other players, and loved seeing the Hall of Famer having a good time with his old teammates this weekend.

“It’s awesome,” Happ said. “It was awesome to see [Grace and Dunston] come down. It just shows how much he means to not only the fans, but to the players. It shows how the guys that he played with, how much they respect him.”

During Saturday’s impromptu trip down memory lane, Sutcliffe pulled rookie Matt Shaw over to introduce him to the group. Sandberg had met Shaw previously and both he and Dunston offered some quick thoughts on competing for a job as a young player, while also still learning a new position.

“That was really cool,” said Shaw, who is MLB Pipeline’s No. 19 prospect and vying for the Opening Day third-base job this spring. “It was cool to get to talk to them and just know I have their support in my corner.”

Being around his old teammates, Sandberg felt like that young kid back in Spring Training, too. And the way the group was swapping stories and laughing, they were able to show the current players how the bond built in a clubhouse and on the field can remain strong so many years later.

“I think they see that and they recognize it,” Sandberg said.