Cubs Legend Ryne Sandberg Dies at 65 After Courageous Battle with Cancer
On July 28, 2025, Major League Baseball and the Chicago Cubs announced the deeply sad news that Ryne Sandberg, the Hall of Fame second baseman affectionately known as “Ryno,” passed away at the age of 65 after battling metastatic prostate cancer.
Legacy & Career Highlights
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Sandberg’s MLB career spanned 16 seasons, including a brief debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1981 before becoming a true legend with the Chicago Cubs (1982–1994, 1996–1997) .
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He compiled elite career totals: a .285 batting average, 2,386 hits, 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases .
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A 10‑time All‑Star (1984–1993), recipient of nine straight Gold Gloves, seven Silver Slugger Awards, and the 1984 NL MVP .
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In 1990, he led the National League in home runs with 40—a remarkable feat for a second baseman .
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At retirement, his 277 home runs as a second baseman stood as an MLB record for the position .
The Iconic “Sandberg Game”
On June 23, 1984, during a nationally televised showdown against the St. Louis Cardinals, Sandberg delivered one of baseball’s most memorable single-game performances—later dubbed the “Sandberg Game.” He went 5-for-6, drove in 7 runs, and hit two game-tying home runs in the 9th and 10th innings off Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter, ultimately leading the Cubs to a dramatic 12‑11 extra-inning win at Wrigley Field.
That performance was a turning point in his career, marking his rise to national stardom and anchoring the Cubs’ return to postseason play (their first appearance since 1945).
Beyond the Field: Character & Honors
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Respected for his quiet leadership, integrity, and unrelenting work ethic, Sandberg served as a global ambassador for the Cubs, managed the Philadelphia Phillies (2013–2015), and remained active in baseball through various roles post-retirement.
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Speaking on his dedication, Cubs executive Tom Ricketts praised Sandberg’s character and family devotion:
“His dedication to and respect for the game … unrelenting integrity, grit, hustle, and competitive fire were hallmarks of his career. He was proud … as husband, father and grandfather” . -
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred echoed the sentiment, honoring Sandberg as a five‑tool player and pledging continued support for cancer research in his memory through Stand Up To Cancer .
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Hall of Fame chair Jane Forbes Clark added:
“Ryne Sandberg had a relentless work ethic and an unshakable positive outlook… he inspired all those who knew him” . -
In 2024, the Cubs unveiled a statue of Sandberg outside Wrigley Field, one of five iconic monuments honoring legendary Cubs players .
Personal Battle & Final Days
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Diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2024, Sandberg underwent treatment and was declared cancer-free in August 2024. Later that year the cancer returned and spread to other organs. Throughout, he remained determined to spend time with family and support the game he loved as long as he could .
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He passed away surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind his wife Margaret, children, and grandchildren .
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Fans have left tributes and flowers at the base of his statue at Gallagher Way, just outside Wrigley Field, turning it into a site of collective remembrance.
Legacy That Endures
Ryne Sandberg’s impact transcends statistics. He redefined what a second baseman could be: a dynamic five-tool player who could hit, run, field, and inspire. As one of the few players to reach both 250+ home runs and stolen bases, he forever changed the profile of his position.
He is remembered not only for his athletic gifts but also for his quiet leadership, sportsmanship, and love for family and community. His legacy lives on in the memories of Cubs fans, baseball purists, and aspiring athletes everywhere.