Fansided

MLB Draft: Top 10 steals of all time

By David Salituro

ANAHEIM, CA - May 25: Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels bats during the game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium on May 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. The Angels defeated the Rangers 3-2. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - May 25: Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels bats during the game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium on May 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. The Angels defeated the Rangers 3-2. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 22, 1990: Ryne Sandberg #23 of the Chicago Cubs bats against the New York Mets during a game on September 22, 1990 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 22, 1990: Ryne Sandberg #23 of the Chicago Cubs bats against the New York Mets during a game on September 22, 1990 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images) /

6. Ryne Sandberg

Ryne Sandberg began his career with the Philadelphia Phillies, but it was with the Chicago Cubs that he developed into a Hall of Famer.

The Phillies selected the 18-year-old in the 20th round, 511st overall in 1978 out of a Spokane, Washington high school. He made his big league debut in 1981 but spent only 13 games in a Phillies uniform before being traded to the Cubs for Ivan de Jesus before the 1982 season.

Sandberg cracked the Cubs starting lineup right away, beginning as a third baseman before moving to second base. He made 10 straight All-Star Game appearances between 1984 and 1993, winning National League MVP in 1984 as he led the Cubs to their first postseason appearance in nearly 40 years. The Cubs lost a 2-0 series lead to the San Diego Padres in the NLCS, but Sandberg excelled, collecting seven hits in 19 at-bats in what proved to be the closest he ever got to the World Series.

In 15 years with the Cubs, Sandberg hit above .300 five times and reached 100 RBI twice. He also led the league with 40 home runs in 1990. An excellent fielder, he won nine straight Gold Gloves at second from 1983 to 1991. Sandberg retired in 1997 with 282 career home runs, sixth all-time among second basemen, and a .285 average. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

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