Farewell, Ryno: Chicago Cubs Legend Ryne Sandberg Dies at 65 After Brave Cancer Battle

Ryne Sandberg, the beloved Hall of Fame second baseman and iconic figure of the Chicago Cubs, passed away at age 65 after a courageous fight with metastatic prostate cancer. Known as one of the greatest second basemen in MLB history, Sandberg’s legacy spans All-Star achievements, record-setting stats, and a deep love for the game he never left—even after retirement.

Baseball Mourns a Legend: Ryne Sandberg Dies at 65 After Cancer Battle

Hall of Famer and Chicago Cubs icon Ryne Sandberg has died at the age of 65, the team announced Monday, July 28. Sandberg, affectionately known as “Ryno,” had publicly shared his cancer battle earlier this year, touching fans around the world with his strength and optimism.

Back in January 2024, Sandberg revealed he was undergoing treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. A glimmer of hope came in May when he announced he was cancer-free, but by December, the cancer had tragically returned and spread to other organs.

Ryne Sandberg Stats: A Career of Greatness

Sandberg spent 15 of his 16 MLB seasons with the Chicago Cubs, becoming one of the most dominant and admired second basemen in baseball history. A 10-time All-Star and 9-time Gold Glove winner, Sandberg’s mix of power, speed, and elite defense helped redefine the position.

“Ryne Sandberg was a legend of the Chicago Cubs and a beloved figure throughout Major League Baseball,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. “He was a five-tool player who excelled in every facet of the game.”

By the time he retired in 1997, Sandberg had racked up:

282 career home runs, the most ever by a second baseman at the time

7 Silver Slugger Awards — a record for his position

2,386 hits, a .282 batting average, and 344 stolen bases

A then-record .989 fielding percentage for second basemen

Ryne Sandberg: From Small-Town Roots to MLB Glory

Born in Spokane, Washington, Sandberg was a 20th-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1978 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut in 1981 but was quickly traded to the Cubs — a move that would change his life and the team’s history.

In what became one of the most lopsided trades in MLB history, the Phillies sent Ryne Sandberg and Larry Bowa to the Cubs in exchange for shortstop Iván DeJesús.

By 1983, Sandberg had locked down the second base position in Chicago, winning his first of nine Gold Gloves. Just one year later, he was crowned NL MVP, posting a .314 batting average, 19 home runs, and 114 runs scored, leading the Cubs to their first postseason in 39 years.

He became the face of the Cubs during the '80s and early '90s, also powering the team to a division title in 1989 with a career-high 40 home runs.

A Sudden Goodbye and a Memorable Return

Sandberg retired abruptly in 1994, citing the game’s declining standards. But true to his nature, he made a comeback in 1996 and played two more seasons, eventually retiring in 1997 after surpassing Joe Morgan for the most home runs by a second baseman.

He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, alongside Wade Boggs.

Ryne Sandberg: Staying Close to the Game

Even after retirement, Sandberg stayed active in baseball. He began managing in the Cubs’ minor league system in 2006, working his way up through the ranks. Though passed over for the Cubs’ managerial role in 2010, Sandberg found his way back to the Philadelphia Phillies, eventually managing the big-league club from 2013 to 2015.

His MLB managerial record ended at 119-159, but his impact on young players and fans remained strong.

In recent years, Sandberg worked as a Cubs ambassador and color commentator, always staying connected to the team and city that adored him.

Ryne Sandberg: A Courageous Final Chapter

When Sandberg shared his cancer diagnosis, fans, former teammates, and baseball legends rallied behind him. Despite ups and downs in his health, he fought bravely with grace and determination — never once losing his spirit.

"His many friends across the game were in his corner as he courageously fought cancer," Manfred added. "We will continue to support the important work of Stand Up To Cancer in Ryne’s memory."

👉 Ryne Sandberg’s Legacy Lives On

Ryne Sandberg wasn’t just a baseball player — he was a role model, a fighter, a loyal teammate, and a Cubs legend who gave fans countless memories.

His story — from 20th-round pick to Hall of Fame hero — is a powerful reminder of perseverance, humility, and greatness.

⚾ Whether you knew him as Ryno, the NL MVP, or simply your childhood hero in a Cubs jersey, Ryne Sandberg left a mark on baseball that will never fade.

🙏 Rest in peace, Ryno. You’ll always be part of Wrigley Field’s heartbeat.

🗣 Share your favorite Ryne Sandberg moment with #RynoForever and help keep his memory alive. #RyneSaneberg #RIPRyne

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