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Q-C fans can't get enough of Sandberg

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By Nate Taylor | Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:52 AM CDT | () comments

Peoria Chiefs manager and former Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg talks with members of the media before Monday’s game against the River Bandits. More than 300 fans waited in line to see the Hall of Famer. (Jeff Cook/Quad-City Times) Buy this Photo

More than 2 hours before game time, Mike Dierkes found his spot. He, along with his 5-year-old daughter, Lilly, had waited behind the visitors’ dugout.

They didn’t want to see anybody from the River Bandits — they wanted to see the Peoria Chiefs’ manager and legendary Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg.

In fact, Mike bought tickets to all 11 games this year when the Quad-Cities River Bandits play the Chiefs. He first met Sandberg in 1983 for the Cubs Caravan in Rock Island, and Monday was another opportunity for his daughter to see his favorite player.

“When he comes to town, it’s always nice to see him,” Dierkes said. “In growing up and watching him I felt as a father I’m obligated to bring my kid to see a living legend.”

On Monday, he and Lilly, were the first in a long line of fans to greet Sandberg before the game for autographs.

Although more than 300 fans waited in line to see Sandberg, they were not the only ones who had interest in his first visit to Davenport this season.

When Sandberg met with members of the media before Monday’s game, something unique happened.

Ironically, he was interviewed behind the jersey that he wasn’t wearing. Instead of a Chiefs jersey, Sandberg stood behind a framed, autographed jersey that fans from Davenport have come to know him by — his Chicago Cubs jersey. It seemed that no matter where Sandberg went, people wanted to talk about his past.

“As a player I was able to express myself on the field,” Sandberg said. “Now, it’s just natural to react to certain things with fans.”

Sandberg, who was inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, is in his second year managing for the Chiefs. He admits there was a lot he learned as a manager from last year to this year, but he still takes pleasure in the receptions he receives from loyal fans.

“I still enjoy going to the ballpark,” he said. “It’s become a routine of mine to sign autographs and talk to fans before the game. For me, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

So, as Sandberg was going through the line of fans, he came across 12-year-old Alonso Ochoa. Although Ochoa, who is from Moline, never had seen Sandberg in a game, he had learned about the former Cub since he first understood baseball from his uncle, Robert.

“I always heard about Sandberg, and I have watched many tapes of him,” Alonso said. “I came here last year, but I didn’t get to meet him.”

As Alonso came face-to-face with Sandberg, he told the manager how he was one of his favorite players. Then, Sandberg asked Alonso if he had ever seen him play. When Alonso said no, Sandberg smiled, signing the Alonsos’ mini Cubs helmet. Alonso said after meeting Sandberg he would never forget it.

These days, Sandberg is greeted with fans at any game he manages, but he understands that if his popularity brings fans to the game, it’s good for baseball.

“If there are a few more people in the stands to see me, than I think it’s good for both teams,” he said. “I’m just trying to gain experience managing, but it’s also good to see fans. Right now, that’s fun for me.”

Contact Nate Taylor 383-2477 or e-mail him at ntaylor@qctimes.com