I was in the postseason twice and I'm thankful for that.

Hear the words of Ryne Sandberg: “I was in the postseason twice and I’m thankful for that.” At first these words may seem modest, the simple reflection of a man who once held the bat and walked the diamond. Yet when spoken with the weight of a career, they shine as a jewel of wisdom. For gratitude does not always measure itself in trophies or endless victories; sometimes it dwells in the memory of rare moments, fleeting yet glorious, when the struggle of years yields even a taste of triumph.

The origin of this quote lies in the heart of a ballplayer who, though destined for greatness in skill and respect, knew the ache of standing with teams that did not always reach the pinnacle. Sandberg, one of baseball’s finest, played through seasons of toil and seasons of loss. Yet his thankfulness rests not upon what was denied, but upon what was granted: twice, he stepped into the postseason, the arena of heightened struggle and shining glory. He does not lament that it happened only twice; he rejoices that it happened at all.

Here we see a truth that transcends sport. Life often denies us abundance of triumph. Not all who labor will taste the championship, not all who strive will grasp the crown. Yet when the door of opportunity opens even once, the wise heart learns to be thankful. For one moment of standing upon the stage of greatness can outshine a thousand days of obscurity, if one holds it with reverence. Sandberg’s humility reminds us that gratitude magnifies even small blessings into eternal treasures.

History gives us many such examples. Recall the soldier of Thermopylae, who stood in defense of his land not because he expected endless victory, but because he cherished the brief, shining moment of resistance. Though they fell, the memory of their stand became immortal. Likewise, Ryne Sandberg teaches that even a brief passage through the gate of glory is enough reason for thanksgiving. For the measure of a life is not how long one stood in triumph, but how deeply one honored the chance to stand there at all.

This saying is also a lesson in humility. In an age when men boast of their conquests, Sandberg’s words are devoid of arrogance. He does not declare, “I should have been there more.” He does not shake his fist at fate. Instead, he bows his head in thanks. This posture of humility makes his greatness even greater, for it teaches that honor is found not in claiming what we deserve, but in giving thanks for what we are given.

What, then, shall we learn? That life is not about constant triumphs, but about finding joy in the moments that destiny places in our hands. Not all will win the crown, not all will taste the fullness of glory. But those who pause to give thanks, even for rare victories, live with richer hearts than those who scorn what they have because it was not enough. Gratitude transforms scarcity into abundance, and fleeting triumphs into eternal joys.

Practical actions follow from this. Look upon your own life and recall the moments when fortune favored you, even if only briefly. Give thanks for them, without bitterness for what did not come. Honor your small victories: the job you gained, the friendship you held, the trial you overcame, even once. Share these memories with others not as boasts, but as testaments of gratitude. In doing so, you plant seeds of humility and joy in those around you.

So let the teaching of Ryne Sandberg echo through the generations: be thankful for the chances you were given, not resentful for those denied. For even two steps into the postseason of life are blessings enough to fill the soul with gratitude. Hold them close, and you will walk not in hunger for what might have been, but in joy for what was. Thus the wise find peace, and the grateful find greatness.