Chicago Cubs' Ryne Sandberg Sets MLB Record

On Aug. 28, 1990, Ryan Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs hit his 30th home of the season to help the Cubs beat the Houston Astros at the Astrodome.

It was the second year in a row the future Hall of Famer hit at least 30 home runs, becoming the first Major League second baseman to do that. Sandberg wasn't done in 1990 either. He ended up with 40 home runs. He hit an even 30 in 1989.

Ryne Sandberg played 16 years in the major leagues, his first with the Philadelphia Phillies, but as a result of a classic ill-advised trade on the part of Philadelphia, was sent to the Cubs in year two and played the next 15 seasons on the North side of Chicago.

Sandberg was a career. 285 hitter, appeared in 10 All-Star games, was National League Most Valuable Player in 1984, and elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.

  

Since Sandberg retired second base has still been a position with limited power but a few players after him have completed the feat.

Jeff Kent hit 30 home runs in three consecutive seasons.

Alfonso Soriano hit 30 home runs in three consecutive seasons.

Chase Utley also hit 30 home runs in three consecutive seasons.

Dan Uggla is the current record holder with five consecutive seasons with 30 or more home runs.