When it comes to stardom in Washington state youth baseball, few stand quite as tall as Ferris High School graduate Eric Sandberg. For four years in the late 1990s, Sandberg took the Spokane region – and the rest of the state, for that matter – by storm.

From his first plate appearance as a freshman in 1995, Sandberg strode into the batter’s box with authority. By the time he graduated in 1998, Sandberg had led Ferris HS to two Greater Spokane League (GSL) Titles in the 4A classification, taking home four varsity letters, three first-team GSL honors and two league MVP awards in the process. 

During his Triple Crown-winning season in 1998, Sandberg set a new GSL record with 11 home runs. But for as much of a force as he was at the plate, the powerful lefty could also dominate from the mound. Sandberg led the GSL for three straight years in strikeouts as a pitcher, fanning hitters with the kind of nastiness that drew the attention of Big League scouts and college recruiters all over the country.

After the 1996-97 school year, Sandberg earned a spot on Who’s Who in Sports’ High School Division All-Star Athlete list, as well as Seattle Times’ list of top juniors in the nation. In 1998, his reputation grew even more. After Sandberg’s senior season, in which he earned Top Player of the Year recognition from both USA Today and Washington State Prep Baseball, Sandberg committed to the University of Southern California as a first baseman and pitcher. At the same time, however, Sandberg’s immense talents had also caught the attention of Major League Baseball. In 1998, the Minnesota Twins selected him as a 25th-round selection, straight out of high school.

Since his playing days ended in the early 2000s, Sandberg has continued to experience great success in his professional life. Now, as senior VP at Alliant Insurance Services, Sandberg remains heavily involved with a multitude of nonprofits. He offers continual support at the Steve Gleason Classic golf tournament, raising funds for people living with ALS and their families. During COVID-19 shutdowns, Sandberg became a 2020 Ronald McDonald House Coordinator and Sponsor, offering the largest donation of food items in four years. 

Sandberg’s generosity and professionalism as a businessman and philanthropist reflect the same tenets he exemplified as an athlete. In the words of former Ferris High baseball coach, John Thacker, “Eric, throughout those four years, maintained a humble demeanor and constantly put team goals first over individual accomplishments.” With equal levels of gratitude, the WIAA is proud to honor Eric Sandberg in its Hall of Fame Class of 2021.