You want to see energy, and you want to see guys on the same page. You want guys to work together and have that energy come out onto the field. That's a good place to start.
— Ryne Sandberg
I've always had that attitude that things happen for a reason.
It was everyone going up there to swing for the fences, because the home runs were what would get them on 'SportsCenter.' That really changed the mindset of the players.
I've spent 34 years associated with the Cubs, and part of the reason I've stayed in baseball is because I want to be part of a World Series winner.
I'm not thinking about records. Just winning the pennant would be exciting.
When I'm arguing, I'm competing. I'm trying to win a game. And if that's what's called for, it's just a reaction.
The Phillies liked the work I had done with the Cubs, and really wanted me there. They were on the phone as soon as my contract was up in Chicago, and it was just a great feeling to be wanted, to be appreciated for the work you do.
Typically, a position change is more for instructional league and winter time. It's just a more relaxed situation. A player can make some mistakes and learn from them. That's the proper way to go about a position change, for me.
I thought I was a pretty good shortstop, but I also wanted to play in the major leagues.
Am I impressed by myself? Nah, not really.
There's nothing I would do differently, no wishing I had done this or done that.
It's hard for me to answer questions I haven't thought about.
I do my homework. I come to the ballpark, and I relay any message that I need to relay to the players. I get that off my chest.
I came up under the wing of Larry Bowa, and one thing I did not do was ever take a day off from taking pregame groundballs or batting practice. Then the games were just having fun.
'The Sandberg Game' comes up all the time. Fans tell me where they were. They were driving down the highway, they were in the bleachers, they were downtown listening on the radio, they were on the farm on a tractor. I've heard all the stories where people have been. They're just amazed by the ending of the game and the thrill of it.
One of the first benchmarks in a season are far as at-bats is 100.
I knew nothing about managing when I started.
In other ways, one way to be in a lineup or stay in a lineup or stay in a spot is to produce.
Baseball is all about relationships, and in some ways, what know you and who knows you.
It's an elite group. And once you're in the Hall, you're in the Hall. Up until now, I think the voting system has handled things very well. And like I said before, there are no suspicions in the Hall of Fame.
Time and time again, I see former teammates, and we talk about it. It feels like we are all on the same page: We enjoyed the regular season, but we were disappointed in not making the World Series.
Football, I thought, would be a tough sport to make a living in. There is no minor league. You either make it to the NFL or you don't.
I defend my players and coaches.
Your first responsibility is to the organization, to teach and prepare players to get to the big leagues and have them ready when they get there, but everyone in the minors wants to be in the majors.
You don't get hits if you're depressed.
All it takes to play baseball is a strong arm, good speed, and the coordination to hit the ball. That's it.
I'd rather play a double-header than speak at a banquet, and if I went to Wrigley Field knowing I had to be somewhere two hours after the game, it would bother me all day.
I'm optimistic about the future.
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.
My style is I work hard at it. I feel like I'm prepared every day.
I was a hard worker.
They use the word 'integrity' in describing a Hall of Famer in the logo of the Hall of Fame, and I think there are gonna be quite a few players that are not going to get in.
I'm not interested in on-the-job learning or on-the-job training.
Get your work in. Work hard at it. Give it your best effort. And if you get an opportunity, be ready for it. That's respect for the game.
If a hitter gets hot, I wouldn't take a hot hitter out of the lineup.
Tainted numbers, I believe, do not belong in the Hall of Fame.
I'm not a sportswriter. I don't get to vote. I don't get the ballot in the mail, so it's out of my hands either way. I can say that in the history of the Hall of Fame, there are no suspicions about guys who are in the Hall of Fame.
You never forget the feeling of not getting to the World Series. Yes, it sticks with you.
For me, the game starts with starting pitching.
I have to do what I have to do, and you have to go where the opportunities are.
When I was a minor league player, my goal was to be a major leaguer. It's no different as a minor league manager.
I just appreciated so much the contract they gave me, and I wanted to give something back to the Cubs' organization.
I know I'm appreciated by how fans treat me, and the best way to treat them is play every day, hard. I sign autographs, but if I'm with someone I don't know who doesn't start the conversation, there won't be a conversation. That's just me, living my life. But I'll loosen up after baseball.
Even if we're in fifth place in September, I get butterflies before a game. I'm nervous.
I've been in baseball my whole life, so I understand there's a lot in baseball that is out of your control, and you have to focus on the things you can control.
I talk to the players, either individually or as a group, what I'm feeling, and I think the players appreciate that. And I think they respond to that.
I am not the type of person who can leave my game at the ballpark and feel comfortable that my future is set regardless of my performance.
Steve Bartman was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Any time you're in the coaching business or managing in the minor leagues, when you see a player who has made it to the major leagues, you get a thrill out of that.
There is a lot to managing, and with almost four years under my belt, I believe I'm ready.
