In a somber moment for the baseball community, the Chicago Cubs have announced the passing of Ryne Sandberg, a franchise icon and Hall of Famer. He was 65 years old and was battling cancer, a condition he revealed he had been diagnosed with twice in 2024. Sandberg initially received a diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer in January 2024. He fought valiantly against the disease and was once reported as cancer-free, but in December, the news took a tragic turn as he disclosed that the cancer had spread to other organs, prompting him to undergo more intensive treatment.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed the immense loss felt throughout Major League Baseball, stating, “Ryne Sandberg was a legend of the Chicago Cubs franchise and a beloved figure throughout Major League Baseball. He was a five-tool player who excelled in every facet of the game thanks to his power, speed, and work ethic.” Manfred noted the support from Sandberg’s friends across the league during his courageous fight against cancer and emphasized that the league would continue to support the vital efforts of Stand Up To Cancer in his memory. He extended heartfelt condolences to Sandberg’s family, Cubs fans, and admirers of the sport.
A cornerstone of the Cubs organization, Sandberg spent the vast majority of his MLB career with the team after a brief stint with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1981. During his 15 seasons in Chicago before his retirement in 1997, he became synonymous with excellence. He made ten consecutive All-Star appearances beginning in 1984, the same year he captured the National League MVP award while leading the league in triples and runs scored.
His career accolades are nothing short of remarkable: seven Silver Slugger awards, nine Gold Gloves, and a standout year in 1990 when he led the NL with 40 home runs and won the Home Run Derby held at Wrigley Field. Sandberg not only brought power to the plate but also demonstrated exceptional durability, playing in at least 115 games in all but one of his seasons with the Cubs and exceeding 150 games in all but four. His Hall of Fame induction in 2005 and the retirement of his number in the same year solidified his legacy in the sport.
Adding to his legacy, last season, the Cubs proudly unveiled a statue outside Wrigley Field to honor Sandberg’s contributions to the franchise. Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts highlighted Sandberg’s impact on multiple generations of fans, stating, “Ryne Sandberg was a hero to a generation of Chicago Cubs fans and will be remembered as one of the all-time greats in nearly 150 years of this historic franchise.” Ricketts characterized Sandberg’s career by his unwavering integrity, hustle, and competitive spirit. Moreover, he noted Sandberg’s pride in his family, extending sympathies to his wife, Margaret, and their children, reinforcing the sentiment that Sandberg will always be part of the Cubs family.
Drafted by the Phillies in the 20th round of the 1978 MLB Draft, Sandberg hailed from Spokane, Washington. After hanging up his cleats, he transitioned into coaching, working with both the Cubs and Phillies organizations. In 2013, he took on the managerial role for the Phillies but stepped down during the 2015 season, finishing with a record that reflects the challenging nature of managing in the big leagues.
The Phillies organization shared their grief, stating, “The Phillies family is devastated to learn of the passing of Ryne Sandberg. He was an important part of our organization, not just as a player, but also as a coach and a manager.” They recognized his lasting impact on countless individuals and extended their deepest sympathies to his entire family during this difficult time.
Ryne Sandberg’s legacy transcends statistics and accolades; he embodied the spirit of baseball and will forever remain a treasured figure in the hearts of fans and players alike.
