Ryne Sandberg to manage Cubs' Double-A Smokies

[December 19, 2008]  SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg will manage the Chicago Cubs' Double-A Tennessee Smokies in 2009.

The Southern League team announced Wednesday that Sandberg is moving up from the Cubs' Class A Peoria Chiefs, which Sanberg has managed the past two seasons.

Sandberg calls the Smokies "an excellent opportunity" and he is "looking forward to the challenges in taking this next step and being successful in Tennessee."

Sandberg, a star second baseman with the Cubs inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005, will be joined by pitching coach Dennis Lewallyn, hitting coach Tom Beyers and trainer Nick Frangella.

[Associated Press]

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