Former Chicago Cubs player Ryne Sandberg waves before the team unveils a statue of him before a baseball game against the New York Mets in Chicago, June 23, 2024.
Baseball lost one of its finest. Ryne Sandberg, Hall of Fame second baseman and iconic Chicago Cubs figure, died at age 65 after a long and courageous fight against metastatic prostate cancer. He passed away at his home on Monday, surrounded by loved ones.
A Battle Fought with Grace
Sandberg first revealed his diagnosis in January 2024. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, he celebrated being cancer-free in August. However, the joy was short-lived. By December, he shared on Instagram that the cancer had returned and spread to other organs.
Despite the setback, Sandberg remained hopeful. Just this month, he posted that he was determined to “make the most of every day” with his loved ones.
A Legend in Cubs History
Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts remembered him as “one of the all-time greats in nearly 150 years of this historic franchise.” He praised Sandberg’s “grit, hustle, and competitive fire,” calling those traits the foundation of his remarkable career.
Born and raised in Spokane, Washington, Sandberg was drafted in the 20th round by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1978. He made his MLB debut in 1981 but played just 13 games with the Phillies. Then came a game-changing trade.
A Trade That Changed Baseball
In January 1982, Sandberg and Larry Bowa were traded to the Cubs in exchange for Ivan De Jesus. It’s now regarded as one of the most lopsided deals in MLB history.
Sandberg made Chicago his home for 15 seasons. He hit .285 with 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases. He earned 10 All-Star nods, won the 1990 Home Run Derby, and claimed nine Gold Gloves.
“Ryne Sandberg was a five-tool player,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. “He was a legend who excelled in every aspect of the game.”
The Unforgettable 1984 Season
Sandberg's 1984 campaign remains unforgettable. He batted .314, scored 114 runs, and stole 32 bases. That same year, he hit 19 home runs and 19 triples, earning him the National League MVP award.
One game stood out—the iconic “Sandberg Game” on June 23, when he blasted two homers and drove in seven runs during a dramatic 12-11 win over St. Louis in 11 innings. That performance remains one of the most cherished moments in Cubs history.
In 2024, the Cubs honored that legacy by unveiling a statue of Sandberg outside Wrigley Field on the game’s 40th anniversary.
A Superstar On and Off the Field
Former manager Jim Frey once said, “The better he got, the harder he worked.” That work ethic earned Sandberg admiration not just as a player, but as a person.
In 1989, Sandberg again led the Cubs to the postseason, hitting .290 with 30 homers. He batted .400 in the playoffs, though the Cubs fell short in the NLCS against San Francisco.
In 1990, Sandberg smashed a league-best 40 home runs and followed it up with 100 RBIs in both 1990 and 1991. Despite his personal success, the Cubs didn’t return to the playoffs during his remaining years.
A Lasting Legacy
When he retired in 1997, Sandberg held the record for the most home runs by a second baseman in MLB history. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, his third year on the ballot, receiving 76.2% of the vote. That same year, the Cubs retired his iconic No. 23 jersey.
“He was a superhero in this city,” said Cubs president Jed Hoyer. “He handled his fame with grace and responsibility.”
Beyond His Playing Days
Sandberg continued his connection with baseball as a minor league manager with both the Cubs and Phillies. He later served as a third base coach and interim manager for the Phillies, finishing with a 119-159 record before stepping down in 2015.
Earlier this year, Sandberg joined the Cubs during spring training despite his declining health. Manager Craig Counsell reflected, “It meant a lot to us. It’s a sad day for the Cubs. He was a great Cub.”
Remembering Ryno
Ryne Sandberg will be remembered not just for his stats, but for his character. On and off the field, he led with integrity, discipline, and heart.
He leaves behind a legacy that forever shaped the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball.
