Photo Credit: Getty Images
Ryne Sandberg, the Hall of Fame second baseman who became one of the Chicago Cubs' most beloved players, died on July 28 at the age of 65. Sandberg had been battling metastatic prostate cancer. His family announced his passing through a post on his Instagram account, saying he died "in the comfort of his home" surrounded by his wife Margaret, their children and grandchildren. "Ryne will forever be in our hearts," they added.
Sandberg revealed his diagnosis in January 2024. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, he shared in August that he was cancer-free. However, by December, he revealed that the cancer had come back and had advanced to other parts of his body. In an update shared with fans that month, he expressed his determination to keep fighting and his intention to cherish every moment with his close family and friends.
Born in Spokane, Washington, Sandberg was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 20th round of the 1978 MLB Draft. He made his big-league debut in 1981, but it was a trade to Chicago in January 1982 a deal that also brought Larry Bowa to the Cubs, that changed everything. The Phillies got veteran Ivan DeJesus in return, but Sandberg would go on to become one of the franchise's all-time greats.
He hit .285 over his career, with 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs and 344 stolen bases. He was a 10-time All-Star, won nine consecutive Gold Glove awards, and was named National League MVP in 1984 after hitting .314 with 19 home runs and 114 runs scored. That same year, Sandberg delivered a performance Cubs fans still talk about "The Sandberg Game" where he hit two clutch homers to tie a game the Cubs eventually won 12-11 in extra innings.
Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said Sandberg would be remembered as "one of the all-time greats in nearly 150 years of this historic franchise." He praised Sandberg's "unrelenting integrity, grit, hustle, and competitive fire." Former Cubs manager Jim Frey often noted how Sandberg's dedication only grew as his performance on the field improved.
In 1990, Sandberg led the National League with 40 home runs, becoming the first second baseman to lead the NL in homers since Rogers Hornsby. By the time he stepped away from the game in 1997, Sandberg had hit more home runs than any other second baseman in Major League history.
He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 and had his No. 23 retired by the Cubs that same year. At his Hall of Fame induction, Sandberg noted that his motivation wasn't driven by personal rewards but by a deep belief that playing the game the right way was the right thing to do.
Sandberg gained managerial experience in the minor leagues before taking over as the Philadelphia Phillies' manager between 2013 and 2015. He later rejoined the Cubs as an ambassador, remaining involved with the team until recently. "It's a sad day for the Chicago Cubs," said manager Craig Counsell. "It was an honour to be around a man battling for his life but wanting to come to the baseball park and spend his day with us."
He is survived by Margaret, five children, and eleven grandchildren.
