Fans Greet Sandberg With Cheers

Spring training

Ryne Sandberg was in a rush to get on the field, just like always.

Cheered by hundreds of fans who’d gathered to see his return, Sandberg joined pitchers and catchers Thursday on the first day possible as the Chicago Cubs opened camp in Mesa, Ariz.

“It’s been different than all the other off-seasons because it’s fun working out again,” Sandberg said. “It doesn’t feel like a job. I’m excited going to the park every day and I’ve been anxious for spring training to begin.”

Sandberg, 36, is hoping to recapture the form that made him a 10-time All-Star second baseman and a nine-time Gold Glove winner. He abruptly retired in the middle of the 1994 season, but decided last Halloween that he wanted to make a comeback.

In his past 13 major-league camps, Sandberg was among the first players on the field. This year was no different, only he’s not certain what to expect from himself.

“It’s kind of difficult for me to set numbers goals because I’ve never done it in the past before a season,” Sandberg said. “I have to accept the fact that I’m just a little bit older and my body is a little bit older and I obviously haven’t played a season at age 36 before.

“I don’t look at that as a negative, but I think it’ll be important for me to be in the lineup every day and be able to play every day.”

No matter what, he is confident that he’ll be able to help.

“I think I’m supposed to contribute the way I can and leave it at that. I always was able to do the things it takes to win games, like bunt runners over and hit to the right side and drive in runs and make all the right plays on defense,” he said.

“I’m sure I can still do those things and I think that makes the Cubs a better team. I’m sure of that, too.”

Mariners

A.L. Cy Young winner Randy Johnson was among 27 pitchers and catchers to arrive as camp opened in Peoria, Ariz. The Mariners held a 2-hour workout in 80-degree weather.

Edwin Hurtado, a candidate to be the fifth starter, was missing because of visa problems. Hurtado, 5-2 with a 5.45 ERA for Toronto last season, is expected to be two to three days late because of paperwork complications in Venezuela.

“He pitched winter ball and he will be ready to go when he gets here,” general manager Woody Woodward said.