CHICAGO — Ryne Sandberg, the legendary Hall of Fame second baseman renowned for his all-around excellence while starring for the Chicago Cubs, has unfortunately passed away at the age of 65. Sandberg died peacefully at his home on Monday, surrounded by his loving family, as confirmed by the team. His journey with health took a difficult turn when he announced in January 2024 that he had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, he later declared himself cancer-free in August 2024. However, on December 10, he revealed on Instagram that the cancer had returned, spreading to other organs. In a recent update, he expressed his determination to keep fighting while cherishing every moment with his family and friends.
Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts shared heartfelt sentiments, stating that Sandberg will forever be remembered as one of the all-time greats in nearly 150 years of Cubs history. "His dedication to and respect for the game, along with his unrelenting integrity, grit, hustle, and competitive fire, were hallmarks of his career," Ricketts remarked in a statement released by the team.
Born and raised in Spokane, Washington, Sandberg was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 20th round of the 1978 amateur draft right out of high school. He made his major league debut in 1981, where he played 13 games and recorded one hit in six at-bats. In January 1982, Sandberg was traded to the Cubs in a deal that would become one of the most lopsided trades in baseball history, as he was exchanged along with Larry Bowa for veteran infielder Ivan De Jesus.
During his 15-year tenure with the Chicago Cubs, Sandberg achieved remarkable statistics, hitting .285 with 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases. He earned a place in the All-Star Game ten times, winning the Home Run Derby in 1990 and securing nine Gold Gloves for his defensive prowess. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Sandberg as a five-tool player, excelling in every aspect of the game thanks to his power, speed, and work ethic.
Despite his stellar performance, the Cubs made only two postseason appearances during Sandberg's career. He was named the National League MVP in 1984, boasting a .314 batting average, 19 home runs, and 84 RBIs. That year, Chicago won the NL East, but the team was eliminated by San Diego in the National League Championship Series, despite Sandberg's impressive playoff performance.
The 1984 season also featured what fans still remember as The Sandberg Game, where he homered twice and drove in seven runs in a thrilling 12-11 victory over St. Louis. In 2024, the Chicago Cubs honored Sandberg by unveiling a statue outside Wrigley Field on the anniversary of that unforgettable game. Former Cubs manager Jim Frey remarked, "I've never seen a player work harder, and it seemed like the better he got, the harder he worked." This dedication set a standard for excellence in the sport.
Sandberg led the Cubs back to the playoffs in 1989, hitting .290 with 30 home runs. He batted .400 in the NLCS, though the Cubs were ultimately defeated by San Francisco. In 1990, he set a career high with an NL-best 40 home runs and achieved 100 RBIs in both 1990 and 1991. When he retired after the 1997 season, Sandberg held the record for the most home runs hit by a second baseman in major league history.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005, Sandberg received 76.2% of the vote during his third appearance on the ballot. The Cubs honored his legacy by retiring his number 23 that same year. Former Cubs first baseman Mark Grace summed it up perfectly: "When you examine the offense and defense, you'll find some years where he was the best player you've ever seen in your life.”
Beyond his illustrious playing career, Sandberg also managed in the minors with both the Cubs and the Phillies. He briefly served as the interim manager for the Phillies in 2013, finishing with a 119-159 record before resigning. John Middleton, managing partner and CEO of the Phillies, expressed that Sandberg was not only a Hall of Famer but also a man of class and dignity.
This year, Sandberg spent time with the Cubs during spring training, and manager Craig Counsell noted how meaningful that time was for the team. "It's a sad day for the Chicago Cubs. He was a great Cub," Counsell said following the team's game in Milwaukee. Ryne Sandberg's legacy will undoubtedly live on, not just within the Chicago Cubs organization but throughout the entire landscape of Major League Baseball.
