Ryne Sandberg

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.

I struggled many times when maybe it didn't look like I was struggling, and I had to work hard every day.

A lot of people say this honor validates my career, but I didn't work hard for validation.

I learned a lot in the Minor Leagues, spending six years there. I honed my skills, as far as coaching goes. I was able to work with the players in a lot of facets of the game.

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.

I'm optimistic about the future.

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.