Ryne Sandberg, Chicago Cubs Legend and Hall of Famer, Dies at 65 After Cancer Battle

 

Ryne Sandberg, one of the greatest second basemen in Major League Baseball history and a legendary figure for the Chicago Cubs, has passed away at the age of 65. His death comes after a lengthy battle with metastatic prostate cancer, a diagnosis he first revealed in early 2024. Although he underwent treatment and briefly went into remission, the cancer returned by the end of that year. Sandberg died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.

Known as “Ryno” to fans and teammates, Sandberg spent nearly his entire 16-year career with the Cubs. From 1982 through 1997, he became a symbol of consistency, class, and competitive fire. He was a 10-time All-Star, a 9-time Gold Glove winner, and the 1984 National League Most Valuable Player. That same season, he led the Cubs to their first postseason appearance since 1945.

His defining moment came during what fans now call the “Sandberg Game.” In a nationally televised matchup against the rival St. Louis Cardinals in June 1984, Sandberg hit two late-inning home runs off Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter to tie the game—leading to an epic Cubs victory in extra innings. That performance made him a national star and helped boost the Cubs’ return to relevance.

Sandberg finished his career with a .285 batting average, 282 home runs, and over 2,300 hits. His 277 home runs as a second baseman stood as a major league record at the time. In 2005, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and had his number 23 retired by the Cubs. Nearly two decades later, in 2024, the Cubs honored him again by unveiling a statue outside Wrigley Field.

Even after retiring, Sandberg stayed close to the game. He managed in the minor leagues and had a brief stint as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. Later, he returned to the Cubs as a special ambassador, often seen at spring training camps and Wrigley Field events, always approachable, always admired.

His passing has brought an outpouring of love and remembrance from across baseball. Players, fans, and fellow Hall of Famers have praised Sandberg not just for his talent, but for his humility, discipline, and leadership. Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts called him “a cornerstone of the Cubs family,” and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred described him as “a five-tool player who left a mark on the game forever.”

Ryne Sandberg is survived by his wife, Margaret, along with his children and grandchildren. His quiet strength, loyalty to Chicago, and love for baseball will be remembered for generations to come. For Cubs fans and baseball lovers everywhere, Ryno wasn’t just a great player—he was a symbol of heart, hustle, and hope.

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