This Monday, the Cubs confirmed the death of Ryne Sandberg after a long battle with metastatic prostate cancer. Known as “Ryno“, he left an enduring legacy in Major League Baseball, earning fans’ respect for his skill, leadership, and grit both on and off the field.
Ryne Sandberg, a legendary career
Sandberg spent 15 of his 16 MLB seasons in Chicago, amassing a career batting average of .258, 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases. A 10-time All-Star from 1984-1993 and the 1984 National League MVP, he also earned nine consecutive Gold Gloves and seven Silver Slugger awards. His trademark performance, the unforgettable “Sandberg Game” on June 23, 1984, featured two ninth, and tenth-inning home runs that tied the game and cemented his status as a national star.
Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, Sandberg was also honored by the Cubs with the retirement of his No.23 and a statue unveiled outside Wrigley Field in 2024.
Integrity, ambassador, and legacy
Diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in January 2024, Sandberg underwent treatment and briefly entered remission before the disease returned later that year and ultimately claimed his life at home with family by his side. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and Cubs leadership hailed him as a player of exceptional character, one of the franchise’s all-time greats, and a tireless ambassador for the sport.
After retiring as a player, Sandberg remained closely connected to baseball, as a manager in the minor and major leagues, and as a passionate Cubs ambassador and mentor to younger generations of players.
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