Quotes from Ryne Sandberg

I didn't play the game right because I saw a reward at the end of the tunnel.

I was in the postseason twice and I'm thankful for that.

My Hall of Fame speech was about respect for the game.

All it takes to play baseball is a strong arm, good speed, and the coordination to hit the ball. That's it.

In other ways, one way to be in a lineup or stay in a lineup or stay in a spot is to produce.

I never forgot the four years I spent with the Phillies, my September call-ups and my big league Spring Trainings. I never forgot that.

Even if we're in fifth place in September, I get butterflies before a game. I'm nervous.

The fourth major league game I ever saw in person, I was in uniform.

For me, the game starts with starting pitching.

I let the players use their abilities and what they're capable of doing. If they're capable of stealing bases, I'm going to give them the green light. I'm going to teach them to pick their spots and to get a base when they can get a base.

I'm not interested in on-the-job learning or on-the-job training.

I've always had that attitude that things happen for a reason.

A lot of people say this honor validates my career, but I didn't work hard for validation.

I struggled many times when maybe it didn't look like I was struggling, and I had to work hard every day.

I was taught coming up in the Phillies organization to be seen and not heard by people like Pete Rose, my hero growing up, and players like Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton and Manny Trillo.

When did it - When did it become okay for someone to hit home runs and forget how to play the rest of the game?

I learned a lot in the Minor Leagues, spending six years there. I honed my skills, as far as coaching goes. I was able to work with the players in a lot of facets of the game.

I'm optimistic about the future.

I knew nothing about managing when I started.