SOUTH BEND – Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Chicago Cubs All-Star Ryne Sandberg will be the special guest at the 2019 Midwest League All-Star Game and will be the keynote speaker at the All-Star Luncheon. The luncheon, presented by Four Winds Casino, will take place Tuesday, June 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Century Center.

“It is going to be a great honor to have Ryne play an integral part in our luncheon and All-Star pre-game festivities,” said South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. “He is one of the greats of the game and has always been a favorite for Cubs fans. Having the opportunity to hear him speak is going to be exciting for the All-Star players and the fans who attend the luncheon. It is not every day you have the opportunity to be a part of an event with a Major League Hall of Famer. I would like to thank Ryne and the Chicago Cubs for helping us with our event.”

Sandberg was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 after a 16-year MLB career, with 15 of those years spent in the Windy City. Known as one of the greatest second basemen to ever play the game, Sandberg retired with a resume featuring a National League MVP Award, nine Gold Gloves, ten All-Star appearances and 282 home runs. Sandberg’s number 23 also is retired by the Chicago Cubs.

As well as a Hall-of-Fame playing career, Sandberg also has managed at both the Minor League and Major League levels. With the Cubs Minor League System, he managed in the Midwest League with Single-A Peoria from 2007-2010. In 2013, Sandberg became the Manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. Finally, starting in 2016, “Ryno” came back to the Cubs organization as an Ambassador for the team.

Tickets to the All-Star Luncheon will go on sale Thursday, February 28, at 10 a.m. and include a meal along with a special gift. Prices range from $85 for individual tickets to $600 for a full table of eight people. Proceeds from the event will benefit Beacon Children’s Hospital. To purchase tickets, visit the South Bend Cubs Box Office or call (574) 235-9988. Tickets will not be available online.