Ryne Sandberg – One of ALL-TIME GREAT Second Basemen Hall of Famer 2005 – Dead today at age 65 from metastatic prostate cancer – fought courageously –. Touching on Ryne Sandberg’s memorable career with the Cubs, “Sandberg Game,” and lasting impact on and off the field.
🪦 Announcement and Cause of Death
July 28, 2025 D Chicago Cubs 65 Died at home surrounded by family Baseball Hall of Famer and Chicago Cubs great Ryne Sandberg died on July 28 at his home in Phoenix, Ariz. He was 65. He had been battling metastatic prostate cancer, which was diagnosed in January 2024. He had previously been declared cancer‑free in August 2024, but in December he disclosed that the cancer had recurred and spread.
🧬 Health Odyssey and the War on Cancer
Sandberg publicly announced his prostate cancer diagnosis in January 2024, and received chemotherapy and radiation treatment. He announced that his cancer was in remission in August, only to reveal in December that it had become metastatic and he would undergo more aggressive treatment and a fight that would continue into early 2025. Though he maintained his high spirits and had some good days with his family, his health began to fail and deteriorate.
🏟 MLB Career and May Stats
Fondly referred to as “Ryno,” Sandberg spent 16 seasons in MLB — 1 with Phillies (’81 debut), 15 with Cubs (’82-’97 except for short retirement in ’95). He finished with a career.285 average, 2,386 hits, 282 homers, 1,061 RBI, 344 stolen bases and posted a then-major-league record.989 fielding percentage at second base.
🏅 Honors & Career Achievements
Sandberg’s resume includes:
- 10-time All-Star (1984–1993)
- 9 Gold Gloves (1983–1991)
7 Silver Slugger Awards - National League MVP (1984)
Lead NL in home runs in 1990 (40) - Baseball Hall of Fame (2005)
Dictionary definition of cubs Retired his No. 23 and dedicated a statue at Wrigley Field in 2024
⛳ The “Sandberg Game” Legacy
June 23, 1984 still soars in baseball history: Ryno homered in the ninth and 10th to tie the game off Bruce Sutter, this time against the St. Louis Cardinals, this time in St. Louis, to force extra innings. He drove in a seventh run that night as well, and the Cubs hung on to win, 12-11. That dramatic success transformed Sandberg into a national star, earned him Rookie of the Year honors and helped the Cubs reach the playoffs for the first time since 1945.
🎯 Post-Playing Career & Contributions
Following his retirement in 1997, Sandberg became the Philadelphia Phillies’ manager, compiling a 119-159 record during his stint from 2013 to 2015. He later was a Cubs ambassador with frequent appearances at spring training, and at Hall of Fame functions and charity events. His charity, Ryno Kid Care (co‑founded by his wife Margaret), gave children with life-threatening illnesses the support and guidance they needed.
🗣 Public & Organizational Tribute
Following his death, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred called Sandberg “a legend in the Cubs pantheon” and praised his candidness and passion. As those who know him best reflected on his legacy, Ricketts said that Sandberg had a fierce work ethic, grit and character. The Cubs announced that they would wear a special jersey patch in his honor for the rest of the season. Tributes poured out from former teammates and even opponents like Mark Grace, who called him perhaps the best all-around player they’d seen.
Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg has died. 💔🕊️ pic.twitter.com/87mXVulH7u
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) July 29, 2025
📊 Extended Stats & Career Impact
In 2,164 games, Ryne Sandberg batted. 285/. 344/. 452 slash line
Career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) around 69
Ryne Sandberg’s 10-year tenure at second base have made offensive benchmarks at the position look obsolete
MVP season (1984): batted. 314; 114; 19; 19; 84 (all leading the league).
✨Cultural & Legacy Impact at Large
Sandberg embodied everything that was good about baseball: hustle, respect for the game, family and leadership. Ryne Sandberg was an influence on generations of fans and players, and he held himself to a quiet professionalism. He remained close to the game far beyond his playing days, managing, participating in the greater community and serving as the game’s goodwill ambassador. In 2024 a statue of him was unveiled outside Wrigley Field, alongside Cubs immortals.
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