MLB Icon Passes Away At 65

Ryne Sandberg, the Hall of Famer who lifted the hopes of Chicago Cubs fans for most of his 16 years in the MLB, passed away this week after a lengthy illness.

He was 65.

The former second baseman announced in January 2023 that he was battling metastatic prostate cancer. He shared good news last August, saying doctors had declared his cancer in remission, but by December, a reversal in fortunes sent Sandberg back into treatment as his cancer spread to other organs.

“Ryne Sandberg was a legend of the Chicago Cubs franchise and a beloved figure throughout Major League Baseball. He was a five-tool player who excelled in every facet of the game thanks to his power, speed and work ethic. Ryne earned 10 consecutive All-Star selections, nine straight Gold Gloves, seven Silver Sluggers and 1984 National League MVP honors,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.

“Ryne remained active in the game he loved as an ambassador for the Cubs, a manager for the Phillies and in the Minor Leagues, and a frequent participant at the Hall of Fame. His many friends across the game were in his corner as he courageously fought cancer in recent years. We will continue to support the important work of Stand Up To Cancer in Ryne’s memory.”

“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Ryne’s family, Cubs fans everywhere and his admirers throughout our national pastime.”

Sandberg played 15 seasons with the Cubs, averaging .285 from the plate with 2,386 hits, 403 doubles, 282 home runs, 1,061 RBI, 1,318 runs and 344 stolen bases, according to CBS Sports. He was named league MVP for the 1984 season and finished in the top five on two other occasions.

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Other career highlights include 10 All-Star appearances, nine Gold Gloves, and seven Silver Sluggers.

The annals of club history were added to in 1984 with the “Ryne Sandberg Game,” where he hit two home runs off Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter, both times tying the game. The nationally syndicated 12-11, 11-inning Cubs win gave Sandberg Wrigleyville privileges for the rest of his life.

Sandberg was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 after two previous nominations.

“I don’t have the words to describe Cub fans who welcomed me as a rookie, were patient through my 1-for-32 start, and took me into their homes and into their hearts and treated me like a member of their family,” he said during his Cooperstown speech. “You picked me up when I was down. You lifted me to heights that I didn’t know I could reach. You expected a certain level of play from me and you made me play at that level for a long time.”