Monday, July 29, 2025
🕔 8:45 PM ET / 7:45 PM CT
CHICAGO — Ryne Sandberg, the legendary Chicago Cubs second baseman and National Baseball Hall of Famer, has died at the age of 65. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by his family in a statement shared late Monday evening through Sandberg’s official Instagram account.
“It is with heavy hearts we announce that Ryne has passed away tonight in the comfort of his home,” the family wrote. “Ryne was surrounded by his loving wife Margaret, their children and grandchildren. We thank you all for the kind words, support and love during a difficult time. Ryne will forever be in our hearts.”
A Courageous Battle with Cancer
Sandberg publicly announced in January 2024 that he had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. His fans rejoiced when he rang the victory bell in August that same year, signaling a successful round of treatment. Unfortunately, his cancer returned later in December and had spread to other organs.
In his final health update posted to Instagram on July 16, 2025, Sandberg admitted the past few months had been tough but said he was staying strong, cherishing each day with family and friends.
“While I am continuing to fight, I’m looking forward to making the most of every day with my loving family and friends,” he wrote.
MLB and Cubs Pay Tribute to a Legend
Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts honored Sandberg in a heartfelt tribute:
“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.”
“‘Ryno’ will never be forgotten by the Cubs community and baseball fans around the world.”
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred echoed those sentiments, calling Sandberg “a beloved figure throughout Major League Baseball.”
“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.”
A Hall of Fame Career
Ryne Sandberg spent 15 of his 16 MLB seasons with the Chicago Cubs, following a brief rookie stint with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1981. His career highlights include:
- 🏆 10x All-Star selections
- 🥇 9 Gold Glove Awards
- 🥈 7 Silver Slugger Awards
- 📊 Career stats: .285 batting average, 282 home runs, 2,386 hits, and 344 stolen bases
Sandberg was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest second basemen in MLB history.
Beyond the Stats — A True Chicago Icon
Sandberg’s impact extended far beyond the baseball diamond. Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer reflected on Sandberg’s presence in the city, placing him in rarefied air alongside sports legends like Michael Jordan and Walter Payton.
“I can’t imagine a person handling their fame better, their responsibility for a city better than he did.”
On June 23, 2024, the Cubs honored Sandberg with a statue outside of Wrigley Field, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the legendary “Ryne Sandberg Game” — a performance where he logged five hits, two home runs, and seven RBIs against the St. Louis Cardinals.
A Lasting Legacy
“A generation of Cubs fans grew up watching Sandberg and his heroics in the 1980s,” said David Campbell, sports manager at cleveland.com. “He leaves a legacy not just as one of the greatest Cubs of all time, but one of the greatest Chicago athletes of all time.”
Sandberg’s legacy as a leader, athlete, and family man will live on — in the heart of Chicago and across the baseball world.
