The baseball world is grieving the loss of one of its greatest players. Ryne Sandberg, the legendary Chicago Cubs second baseman and Hall of Famer, has died at age 65 after a courageous battle with prostate cancer.
Ryne Sandberg had been fighting the disease for over a year. The Cubs shared the heartbreaking news on social media, writing, “With great sadness, we share that Ryne Sandberg has passed away today.”
A Cubs Icon and MLB Great
Ryne Sandberg, affectionately known as “Ryno,” spent most of his career with the Chicago Cubs. He joined the team in 1982 after a brief stint with the Philadelphia Phillies, quickly becoming a fan favorite and a fixture at Wrigley Field for 15 seasons.
His achievements were nothing short of extraordinary. Sandberg was a 10-time All-Star, earned 9 Gold Gloves, and took home 7 Silver Slugger Awards. In 1984, he was named National League MVP after hitting .314 with 19 triples, 114 runs, 19 home runs, and 84 RBIs.
A Complete Player with Historic Numbers
Ryne Sandberg was known for his all-around excellence. He had power, speed, and unmatched defensive skill. In 1990, he led the NL with 40 home runs, a rare feat for a second baseman.
Over his 16-year career, Sandberg played in 2,164 games, hit .285, crushed 282 home runs, drove in 1,061 RBIs, and stole 344 bases. He posted a career .344 OBP and .452 slugging percentage.
Though the Cubs made the playoffs just twice during his time, Sandberg made the most of it. He batted .385 in the postseason, collecting 15 hits in 39 at-bats, with 6 RBIs and 3 steals.
A Leader On and Off the Field
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred honored Sandberg with a heartfelt tribute:
“Ryne Sandberg was a legend of the Chicago Cubs and a beloved figure across Major League Baseball. He was a five-tool player who excelled thanks to his power, speed, and relentless work ethic.”
Manfred also praised Sandberg for staying close to the game as a Cubs ambassador, Phillies manager, and minor league mentor.
Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the Hall of Fame, said Sandberg’s career was built on “relentless work ethic and respect for the game.” His 2005 Hall of Fame induction speech was remembered for its powerful message about playing the game the right way.
Final Days Remembered by the Cubs
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell shared how much it meant to the team to have Sandberg visit during spring training, even while battling cancer.
“It was an honor to be around a man battling for his life but still wanting to be at the ballpark,” Counsell said. “It meant a lot to everyone. We’re grateful for the time he gave us.”
Legacy Lives On
Ryne Sandberg’s memory lives on in Chicago. He was honored with a statue at Wrigley Field in 2023. His longtime teammate Mark Grace said it best:
“Some years, he was the best player you’ve ever seen in your life.”
Ryne Sandberg also served as manager of the Phillies from 2013 to 2015, finishing with a 119–159 record.
