Ryne Sandberg: Manager Won't Rule out a Possible Return to the Chicago Cubs

Ryne Sandberg did not rule out someday returning to the Cubs organization when interviewed by the ESPN 1000’s Waddle and Silvy Show on Wednesday morning.

“I just want to do this at the major league level, so wherever that opportunity would come I would listen," Sandberg said.

The Hall of Fame second baseman spent four years in the Cubs' minor league system as a manager before interviewing for the Cubs' major league managerial position over the offseason.

“I had my fingers crossed last year," he said.  "I feel like I’m doing what I need to do for an opportunity.  So that’s basically what I’m doing.  I like what I’m doing right now, its very gratifying to me.  But I’m also gaining experience to hopefully coach or manage at the major league level.  So now it’s really coming down to getting that opportunity and being ready for it.”

Sandberg’s managed at each level of the Cubs' minor league system.  In 2010 he led the Triple-A Iowa Cubs to a 82-62 record and first place in their division while winning the Pacific Coast League’s Manager of the Year award.

After not getting the Cubs' managerial job in 2011, Sandberg left the Cubs organization to manage the LeHigh Valley Iron Pigs, the Phillies Triple-A affiliate.  Sandberg was drafted by the Phillies and played 13 games for the team before being traded to the Cubs in 1982.  Sandberg spent the rest of his career in Chicago and hit 282 HR while stealing 334 bases. 

The Iron Pigs are currently 53-37 and lead their division by 3.5 games.

Mike Quade, who was hired to manage the Cubs over Sandberg, has led the Cubs to a 37-55 record.  Even in his first year with the team, Quade’s position as Cubs manager seems to already be in jeopardy.