Ryne Won’t Whine Even If He Gets Off To Typical Slow Start, Sandberg, Cubs Confident In Big Finish

April has never been Ryne Sandberg’s month.

Throughout the 1980s and into the early ‘90s, it was no big deal. Chicago Cubs management, players and fans all knew that Sandberg’s lousy April would be followed by five months of excellence.

But Sandberg is 36 now. And when he trots out to second base at Wrigley Field this afternoon for the Cubs’ season-opener against the San Diego Padres, he’ll be appearing in his first game in nearly 22 months.

All eyes will be on Sandberg - who retired June 13, 1994, only to decide he would return this spring after watching last year during the Cubs exciting and nearly successful run at a play-off spot.

“Whether it’s a mediocre start, hot or cold, I’m really confident that we’re going to look back on it and say, ‘This guy really contributed to the club,’ ” said manager im Riggleman, who wasn’t with the Cubs for Sandberg’s first 13 seasons. “We don’t want to have stitistical expectations. A lot of people are looking for drama here, but it’s just baseball,”

Sandberg was one of baseball’s best all-around hitters for more than a decade. But his career April batting average is only .235, compared to a combined .297 in the other months.

“I can’t look into the future and say how I’m going to play,” he said. “All I know is that I’m ready to play baseball again.”