Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg Dies at 65 After Cancer Battle/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Baseball Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, a Chicago Cubs legend, has died at 65 following a battle with metastatic prostate cancer. Known for his all-around excellence, Sandberg was a 10-time All-Star and 1984 NL MVP. Tributes have poured in from fans, teammates, and MLB figures celebrating his career and legacy.
Ryne Sandberg Legacy + Quick Looks
- Ryne Sandberg dies at 65, surrounded by family at home
- Diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in 2024, had brief remission
- Played 15 seasons with Cubs, hitting .285 with 282 home runs
- Won 1984 NL MVP, led Cubs to postseason appearances in 1984, 1989
- 10-time All-Star, 9 Gold Gloves, 1984 Home Run Derby winner
- Elected to Hall of Fame in 2005, Cubs retired No. 23
- Known for “The Sandberg Game”, June 23, 1984, comeback win
- Former Phillies manager, had 119–159 record during rebuilding years
- Beloved for humility, leadership, and work ethic, remembered by MLB
- Cubs honored him with a statue outside Wrigley in 2024
Deep Look: Ryne Sandberg, Cubs Hall of Famer, Dies at 65 After Cancer Battle
CHICAGO (AP) — Baseball Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, one of the most revered second basemen in Major League Baseball history and a legendary figure for the Chicago Cubs, passed away Monday at age 65 following a protracted battle with metastatic prostate cancer.
Sandberg, affectionately known as “Ryno” by fans and teammates, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, the Cubs organization confirmed. He had revealed his cancer diagnosis in January 2024, initially responding well to treatment and declaring himself cancer-free by that August. However, by December the disease had returned and spread to other organs.
Despite facing a renewed health battle, Sandberg remained publicly optimistic and reflective, sharing on Instagram earlier this month that he was “fighting” while cherishing his time with family and friends.
An Icon in Chicago and Beyond
Born in Spokane, Washington, Sandberg was a 20th-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1978. He made his MLB debut in 1981 but found his true calling after a trade to the Chicago Cubs in 1982 — a move now regarded as one of the most lopsided trades in baseball history.
In 15 seasons with the Cubs, Sandberg became a cornerstone of the franchise, compiling a .285 career batting average with 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases. He earned 10 All-Star selections, nine Gold Glove Awards, and led the National League in home runs in 1990.
His breakout year came in 1984, when he won the NL MVP while batting .314, stealing 32 bases, and tallying 114 runs. That season also saw the unforgettable “Sandberg Game” on June 23 — a dramatic 12-11 victory over St. Louis in which he hit two game-tying home runs and drove in seven runs. The Cubs commemorated that moment by unveiling a statue outside Wrigley Field on the same date in 2024.
A Legacy of Excellence and Class
Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts called Sandberg “one of the all-time greats” and praised his “integrity, grit, hustle, and competitive fire.” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred described him as a “five-tool player” who dominated both offensively and defensively.
Former teammates and players echoed those sentiments. Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux called him “a great teammate and mentor,” while longtime Cubs first baseman Mark Grace said, “He was the best player I ever saw — offense and defense.”
Even as Sandberg’s star shined, team success often eluded him. During his career, the Cubs reached the postseason only twice — in 1984 and 1989 — with Sandberg playing key roles in both runs.
In 1990, he set a career-high and league-best with 40 home runs, later following it up with back-to-back 100-RBI seasons. Despite his consistency and leadership, the Cubs did not return to the playoffs before his retirement in 1997.
A Hall of Famer and Humble Leader
Sandberg was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, receiving 76.2% of the vote in his third year of eligibility. That same year, the Cubs retired his No. 23, permanently enshrining him among the franchise’s legends.
Beyond his playing days, Sandberg transitioned into coaching and management. He managed in the Cubs and Phillies minor league systems before becoming the Phillies’ third base coach, and later their interim manager in 2013. He finished with a 119–159 record and stepped down in 2015 during a challenging rebuild.
Despite modest success as a manager, his leadership and professionalism earned praise. Phillies CEO John Middleton remembered him as “a man who personified class and dignity.”
In his final months, Sandberg remained close to the Cubs organization, making appearances during spring training in early 2025. Cubs manager Craig Counsell said the visit meant a great deal to players and staff. “It’s a sad day for the Chicago Cubs. He was a great Cub,” Counsell said.
Remembering Ryno
As the baseball world mourns, Sandberg’s impact remains undeniable. From iconic plays at second base to towering home runs at Wrigley, he defined an era for Cubs fans and earned admiration league-wide. His humility, work ethic, and commitment to the game leave behind a powerful legacy.
Cubs President Jed Hoyer perhaps said it best:
“He was a superhero in this city… I can’t imagine a person handling their fame and responsibility for a city better than he did.”
