Chicago Cubs' Ryne Sandberg acknowledges fans after his three-run homer in the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres in Chicago, in this May 2, 1987 photo. Sandberg and Wade Boggs were elected to the Hall of Fame Tuesday Jan. 4, 2005.


Former Chicago Cubs star second baseman Ryne Sandberg during a June 4, 1994 National League game against the Montreal Expos, in Chicago. Nine-time National League Gold Glove award winner Ryne Sandberg received baseball's highest honor on January 4, 2005, being elected into the Hall of Fame. Sandberg was the 1984 National League MVP. Sandberg, who was a standout second baseman with the Cubs for 15 of his 16 seasons, was chosen in his third year of eligibility. The 45-year-old Sandberg, the 17th second baseman selected for the Hall of Fame, finished his career (1981-97) with a .285 average with 282 home runs and 1,061 RBI. The NL Most Valuable Player in 1984 and a 10-time All-Star, Sandberg holds the career record for fielding percentage (.989) among second basemen and also has the distinction for consecutive errorless games in a season (90 in 1989) and over two seasons (123) at the position.


Chicago Cubs Ryne Sandberg watches his home run ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning in Chicago, in this Aug. 2, 1997 photo. Sandberg and Wade Boggs were elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on Tuesday Jan. 4, 2005.


Former Chicago Cubs star Ryne Sandberg getting the final hit of his career; a single, in front of the home fans during fifth inning at Wrigley Field in Chicago against the Philadelphia Phillies on September 21, 1997. Nine-time National League Gold Glove award winner Ryne Sandberg received baseball's highest honor on January 4, 2005, being elected into the Hall of Fame. Sandberg, who was elected along with 3,000 hit club member Wade Boggs, was a standout second baseman with the Cubs for 15 of his 16 seasons, and chosen in his third year of eligibility. The 45-year-old Sandberg, the 17th second baseman selected for the Hall of Fame, finished his career (1981-97) with a .285 average with 282 home runs and 1,061 RBI. The NL Most Valuable Player in 1984 and a 10-time All-Star, Sandberg holds the career record for fielding percentage (.989) among second basemen and also has the distinction for consecutive errorless games in a season (90 in 1989) and over two seasons (123) at the position. Picture taken September 21, 1997.


Nine-time National League Gold Glove award winner Ryne Sandberg received baseball's highest honor on January 4, 2005 and was elected to the Hall of Fame. Sandberg, who was a standout second baseman with the Chicago Cubs for 15 of his 16 seasons, was chosen in his third year of eligibility. Sandberg is seen before throwing out the first pitch during the NLCS in Chicago, October 14, 2003.


Former Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg talks during a news conference, Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, in Chicago. Sandberg, a nine-time Gold Glove second baseman and 10-time All-Star, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame Tuesday with just six votes to spare on his third try.