Ryne Sandberg, a legendary Cubs second baseman, passes away at age 65.

 

Ryne Sandberg, a longtime Chicago Cubs player and Baseball Hall of Famer, died on Monday at the age of 65. He was regarded as one of the best second basemen in baseball history. For more than a year, Sandberg had been valiantly fighting prostate cancer.

"With great sadness, we announce that Ryne Sandberg passed away today," the Cubs wrote on its official X (previously Twitter) account after sharing the tragic news.

After a brief run with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1981, in which he only managed six at-bats, Sandberg was dealt to the Cubs, marking the beginning of his odyssey with the franchise. He would go on to become one of the most adored characters in the franchise's history and a mainstay in Chicago for 15 seasons.

Sandberg, a ten-time All-Star, was a dynamic player whose skill set was demonstrated by his many awards. He won seven Silver Slugger awards for his offensive skill and nine Gold Gloves for his outstanding defensive play. He was a formidable force on both sides of the field due to his all-around talent.

"Ryne Sandberg was a beloved figure in Major League Baseball and a legend of the Chicago Cubs organization," said Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred in his condolence statement. His power, quickness, and work ethic allowed him to succeed in every area of the game, making him a real five-tool player.

Manfred emphasized Sandberg's dedication to baseball throughout his life, pointing out that he continued to be involved in the game as a manager for the Phillies and minor level teams, an ambassador for the Cubs, and a regular attendee at Hall of Fame ceremonies. "During his valiant fight with cancer in recent years, his numerous friends in the game supported him." In his honor, we will keep supporting the vital work of Stand Up To Cancer," Manfred continued.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum chairman, Gene Forbes-Clark, also gave a tribute, highlighting Sandberg's constant optimism and unrelenting work ethic. In reference to Sandberg's 2005 Hall of Fame induction speech, Forbes-Clark said, "He inspired everyone who knew him and always emphasized how baseball should be played, especially for the benefit of his teammates."

Sandberg, well known by his nickname "Ryno," had a number of noteworthy moments during his playing career. He received the Most Valuable Player award from the National League in 1984. He smashed 19 home runs, drove in 84 RBIs, and batted an outstanding.314 that season, leading the league with a total of 114 runs scored and 19 triples. With 40 home runs in 1990, he led the National League in home runs.

After the Cubs' 8–4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, Chicago manager Craig Counsell spoke to the club and broke the devastating news of Sandberg's death. "A great man has passed away," Counsell remarked. We had the good fortune to meet Ryno during spring training this year as a team. Spending time with someone who was battling for his life but yet wanted to join us at the stadium for the day was an honor.

"I know he meant so much to every person here," Counsell said, acknowledging the significance of Sandberg to all Cubs players. We appreciate that despite the challenging circumstances he was going through, he was willing to spend time with us.

"He was a great Cub," he remarked, summarizing the day as "a sad day for the Chicago Cubs."

Sandberg recorded outstanding numbers during his 2,164-game career, including a.344 on-base percentage, a.452 slugging percentage, 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases, culminating with a.285 batting average. Fans and other players alike welcomed Sandberg's 2005 induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His legacy was further cemented last year when a statue in his honor was placed outside Wrigley Field.

"When you evaluate offense and defense, there will be some seasons where he was simply the best player you had ever seen in your life," said Mark Grace, a longtime Cubs teammate, in reference to Sandberg's remarkable achievements.

Sandberg had a major postseason influence even though the Cubs only entered the playoffs twice during his playing career, falling in the National League Championship Series in 1984 and 1989. Sandberg stole three bases, walked six times, drove in six runs, and hit two home runs in ten postseason games.


Sandberg went from playing to managing after retirement, and he was the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies from August 2013 to June 2015. His record as the team's manager was 119 victories and 159 defeats.

The Chicago Cubs and their supporters, who will always remember Ryne Sandberg for his exceptional skill on the field as well as his poise, tenacity, and unwavering spirit off it, are deeply saddened by his passing. Generations of baseball fans will be inspired by his legacy as a player, ambassador, and cancer fighter.

Many people in the baseball community and beyond are joining together during this time of grief to honor a real legend whose influence extended well beyond numbers — someone who personified what it means to love the game and meet life's obstacles head-on with bravery and passion.