Hall of Fame Cubs Icon, Ryne Sandberg Remembered for Grit, Greatness, and Unmatched Legacy, Dies at age 65
Chicago, IL — Ryne Sandberg, the Chicago Cubs’ legendary second baseman and Baseball Hall of Famer, has died at 65 after a courageous fight against metastatic prostate cancer. Surrounded by family at his home, Sandberg passed away Monday, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest players in Cubs history.
Sandberg first revealed his cancer diagnosis in January 2024, undergoing aggressive treatment before announcing he was cancer-free in August. But in a heartbreaking December Instagram post, he shared that the disease had returned and spread.
Despite the setback, he remained hopeful, writing, “I’m still fighting and looking forward to making the most of every day with my loving family and friends.”
Sandberg’s career was defined by relentless hustle, defensive brilliance, and clutch hitting. Over 15 seasons with the Cubs, he batted .285 with 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases. A 10-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner, he also claimed the 1984 NL MVP after a historic season (.314 AVG, 19 HR, 84 RBIs, 32 steals).
His most iconic moment came on June 23, 1984, in what Cubs fans still call “The Sandberg Game.” Against the St. Louis Cardinals, he blasted two game-tying homers off Hall of Fame closer Bruce Sutter, driving in seven runs in an 11-inning thriller. The Cubs honored him in 2024 by unveiling a statue outside Wrigley Field on the game’s 40th anniversary.
Born in Spokane, Washington, Sandberg was a 20th-round draft pick by the Phillies in 1978. Few could have predicted his rise when he was traded to the Cubs in 1982—a deal now considered one of the most lopsided in MLB history.
Though the Cubs made just two playoff runs during his tenure, Sandberg’s impact was undeniable. He led the team to the 1984 and 1989 NL East titles, delivering .368 and .400 batting averages in those postseason series.
After retiring in 1997, he held the record for most home runs by a second baseman and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005. The Cubs retired his No. 23 the same year.
Sandberg later managed in the minors and served as the Phillies’ interim manager (2013-2015). Though his coaching stint was challenging, his integrity and work ethic never wavered.
"He was a superhero in this city," said Cubs president Jed Hoyer, comparing Sandberg to Michael Jordan and Walter Payton. "I can’t imagine anyone handling fame and responsibility better."
Even in his final months, Sandberg remained connected to baseball, visiting Cubs spring training in 2024. Manager Craig Counsell called it a "gift" to have him around the team.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Sandberg as "a five-tool player who excelled in every facet of the game." Former teammate Greg Maddux texted the AP: "He led by example on the field and was a mentor off it. I was lucky to know him."
How You Can Help
Sandberg’s battle highlights the urgency of prostate cancer awareness. Men over 50—especially those with a family history—should get regular screenings. Consider donating to cancer research in his memory.
Ryne Sandberg wasn’t just a Cubs legend—he was baseball royalty. His legacy will live on in Wrigley’s ivy, in highlight reels, and in the hearts of fans forever.
Born: September 18, 1959 (Spokane, WA)
Died: July 2024 (Age 65)
Teams: Chicago Cubs (1982-1997), Philadelphia Phillies (1981)
Career Stats: .285 AVG, 282 HR, 1,061 RBIs, 344 SB
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2005 (76.2% vote)
Cancer Battle: Diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in 2024
Rest in peace, Ryno. The game won’t be the same without you.
Follow us for more updates on Ryne Sandberg’s legacy and tributes from the baseball world. #RyneSandberg #CubsLegend #Forever25 #RIPRyne
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Ryne Sandberg: A Cubs Icon and Baseball Immortal, Stats
Sandberg’s career was defined by relentless hustle, defensive brilliance, and clutch hitting. Over 15 seasons with the Cubs, he batted .285 with 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases. A 10-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner, he also claimed the 1984 NL MVP after a historic season (.314 AVG, 19 HR, 84 RBIs, 32 steals).
His most iconic moment came on June 23, 1984, in what Cubs fans still call “The Sandberg Game.” Against the St. Louis Cardinals, he blasted two game-tying homers off Hall of Fame closer Bruce Sutter, driving in seven runs in an 11-inning thriller. The Cubs honored him in 2024 by unveiling a statue outside Wrigley Field on the game’s 40th anniversary.
Ryne Sandberg: From Underrated Prospect to Chicago Hero
Born in Spokane, Washington, Sandberg was a 20th-round draft pick by the Phillies in 1978. Few could have predicted his rise when he was traded to the Cubs in 1982—a deal now considered one of the most lopsided in MLB history.
Though the Cubs made just two playoff runs during his tenure, Sandberg’s impact was undeniable. He led the team to the 1984 and 1989 NL East titles, delivering .368 and .400 batting averages in those postseason series.
After retiring in 1997, he held the record for most home runs by a second baseman and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005. The Cubs retired his No. 23 the same year.
Ryne Sandberg: A Leader On and Off the Field
Sandberg later managed in the minors and served as the Phillies’ interim manager (2013-2015). Though his coaching stint was challenging, his integrity and work ethic never wavered.
"He was a superhero in this city," said Cubs president Jed Hoyer, comparing Sandberg to Michael Jordan and Walter Payton. "I can’t imagine anyone handling fame and responsibility better."
Ryne Sandberg: A Legacy of Courage and Class
Even in his final months, Sandberg remained connected to baseball, visiting Cubs spring training in 2024. Manager Craig Counsell called it a "gift" to have him around the team.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Sandberg as "a five-tool player who excelled in every facet of the game." Former teammate Greg Maddux texted the AP: "He led by example on the field and was a mentor off it. I was lucky to know him."
How You Can Help
Sandberg’s battle highlights the urgency of prostate cancer awareness. Men over 50—especially those with a family history—should get regular screenings. Consider donating to cancer research in his memory.
Ryne Sandberg wasn’t just a Cubs legend—he was baseball royalty. His legacy will live on in Wrigley’s ivy, in highlight reels, and in the hearts of fans forever.
Key Facts About Chicago Cubs' Ryne Sandberg, Stats
Born: September 18, 1959 (Spokane, WA)
Died: July 2024 (Age 65)
Teams: Chicago Cubs (1982-1997), Philadelphia Phillies (1981)
Career Stats: .285 AVG, 282 HR, 1,061 RBIs, 344 SB
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2005 (76.2% vote)
Cancer Battle: Diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in 2024
Rest in peace, Ryno. The game won’t be the same without you.
Follow us for more updates on Ryne Sandberg’s legacy and tributes from the baseball world. #RyneSandberg #CubsLegend #Forever25 #RIPRyne
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