A Hall of Fame second baseman who began his professional career with the Phillies has died. Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg died on Monday, July 28, Major League Baseball announced. The 65-year-old had battled prostate cancer for more than a year.

Speeding the reconciliation was the fact that a chastened, post-retirement Allen, however improbably, became a beloved figure among the same Philadelphia fans who used to hurl so many objects at his head that he wore a batting helmet while playing the field. Redemption arcs help.

Dave Parker and Dick Allen were inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday, both posthumously. The two power hitters left a mark on the game, and fans say the honor has been a long time coming.

Ohtani is obviously one of the best offensive players in the league. He won MVP last season, deservedly so, while serving only as a designated hitter. That's how valuable he is on offense. And the thought process behind him being so far ahead in MVP discussions this season is that he's taking that offensive value and adding back the pitching side.