Ryne Sandberg, Chicago Cubs Legend, Dead At 65
July 29, 2025 – The baseball world is mourning the loss of Ryne Sandberg, a Hall of Fame second baseman and Chicago Cubs icon, who passed away on Monday, July 28, at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with metastatic prostate cancer. Known affectionately as “Ryno,” Sandberg’s quiet leadership, exceptional skill, and unwavering dedication made him a beloved figure in Chicago and a legend across Major League Baseball (MLB).
A Storied Career with the Cubs
Born on September 18, 1959, in Spokane, Washington, Ryne Sandberg was a three-sport star at North Central High School, excelling in baseball, basketball, and football. Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 20th round of the 1978 MLB Draft, Sandberg made his major league debut in 1981 but was traded to the Cubs in 1982 in a deal that would become one of the most lopsided in baseball history.
With the Cubs, Sandberg redefined the second base position, blending power, speed, and defensive prowess. His breakout came in 1984 during the “Sandberg Game” on June 23, when he hit two game-tying home runs off Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter, leading the Cubs to a dramatic 12-11 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. That season, Sandberg batted .314, led the National League with 114 runs and 19 triples, and won the NL MVP award while guiding the Cubs to their first postseason appearance since 1945.
Over his 15 seasons with the Cubs (1982–1994, 1996–1997), Sandberg amassed a .285 batting average, 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases. He earned 10 consecutive All-Star selections, nine straight Gold Glove Awards for his stellar defense, and seven Silver Slugger Awards. In 1990, he led the NL with 40 home runs, a rare feat for a second baseman. At the time of his retirement in 1997, his 277 home runs as a second baseman were an MLB record.
A Legacy Beyond the Field
Sandberg’s impact extended far beyond his statistics. Known for his quiet demeanor—earning the ironic nickname “Gabby”—he embodied grit, hustle, and integrity. “He was never satisfied with what he did on the playing field,” said former teammate Larry Bowa. “He was always prepared.” Sandberg’s work ethic and class made him a fan favorite, with Cubs president Jed Hoyer noting, “He was a superhero in this city,” alongside icons like Michael Jordan and Walter Payton.
After retiring, Sandberg remained active in baseball, managing in the Cubs’ and Phillies’ minor league systems before serving as the Phillies’ manager from 2013 to 2015, with a record of 119-159. He later returned to the Cubs as a goodwill ambassador, making public appearances and occasionally serving as a color commentator for Marquee Sports Network. In 2005, Sandberg was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Cubs retired his No. 23 jersey, making him only the fourth player in team history to receive the honor. In June 2024, the Cubs unveiled a statue of Sandberg outside Wrigley Field, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the “Sandberg Game.”
A Battle with Cancer
Sandberg announced in January 2024 that he had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, he declared himself cancer-free in August 2024. Tragically, the cancer returned and spread to other organs by December, requiring more intense treatment. Despite his battle, Sandberg remained optimistic, posting on Instagram on July 16, 2025, that he was “looking forward to making the most of every day with my loving family and friends” and watching Cubs games, hoping to see Wrigley Field “rocking like 1984.” He threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley on Opening Day in April 2025, a poignant moment for fans.
Sandberg passed away at his home, surrounded by his wife, Margaret, his five children, and 11 grandchildren. He and Margaret founded Ryno Kid Care to support children with serious illnesses, reflecting his commitment to giving back.
Tributes and Lasting Impact
The Cubs announced that players will wear a special jersey patch for the remainder of the 2025 season in Sandberg’s memory. Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts said, “Ryne Sandberg was a hero to a generation of Chicago Cubs fans and will be remembered as one of the all-time greats in nearly 150 years of this historic franchise. His dedication to and respect for the game, along with his unrelenting integrity, grit, hustle, and competitive fire were hallmarks of his career.” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Sandberg as a “five-tool player who excelled in every facet of the game,” pledging continued support for Stand Up To Cancer in his memory.
Fans and former teammates flooded social media with tributes, with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi writing, “Ryne Sandberg wasn’t just a Cubs legend—he was a symbol of grit, class, and quiet excellence. His heroic play and humble leadership inspired generations of Chicagoans.” Posts on X reflected the deep emotional impact, with one fan noting, “The heroes of our childhood are supposed to be immortal… It’s hard to fathom a guy like Ryne Sandberg nearing the end.”
Sandberg’s legacy endures in Chicago and beyond, as a player who elevated the second base position and a man whose humility and strength left an indelible mark. As Wrigley Field prepares to honor him, his words from his 2005 Hall of Fame speech resonate: “Cubs fans took me into their homes and hearts and treated me like a member of their family.”
By Reuters Sports Desk. Contact: sports.desk@reuters.com