Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg, adored by fans throughout his 15-year career with the Chicago Cubs, died Monday at his home at age 65 after a battle with metastatic prostate cancer. According to the Cubs, Sandberg was surrounded by his family when he passed away.
Born in Spokane, Washington, Sandberg shared his metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis in January 2024. He underwent rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, and reported being in remission by August. In December, he posted on Instagram that his cancer had returned and metastasized. Earlier this month, he voiced his determination to keep fighting while cherishing moments with loved ones.
Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said Sandberg will always rank among the greatest figures in the team’s long history. Ricketts highlighted Sandberg’s unwavering dedication, integrity, relentless drive, and strong competitive nature as signature qualities of his remarkable career.
The Philadelphia Phillies selected Sandberg in the 20th round of the 1978 amateur draft from North Central High School. He made his MLB debut with the Phillies in 1981, getting one hit in six at-bats over 13 games. In January 1982, he was traded to the Cubs with Larry Bowa for veteran Ivan De Jesus—a move now seen as one of the most lopsided deals in baseball.
Sandberg’s time with the Cubs saw him achieve a .285 batting average, 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases. He was picked for 10 All-Star Games, won the 1990 Home Run Derby, and picked up nine Gold Gloves. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred described Sandberg as a beloved baseball figure beyond Chicago, known for his power, speed, strong work ethic, and all-around skill.
Sandberg’s standout season came in 1984, when he won the National League MVP award after hitting .314 with 19 home runs, 84 RBIs, 32 stolen bases, 19 triples, and 114 runs. That year, the Cubs clinched the NL East and Sandberg hit .368 in the playoffs, though Chicago ultimately lost to San Diego after taking the first two games of the NLCS at Wrigley Field.
A highlight of that 1984 season was the legendary “Sandberg Game,” where he smashed two home runs and drove in seven runs in a thrilling 12-11, 11-inning win over the Cardinals on June 23. The Cubs honored the occasion in 2024 by unveiling a statue of Sandberg outside Wrigley Field on the anniversary.
Jed Hoyer, Cubs President of Baseball Operations, said Sandberg was a Chicago superhero, comparing him to Michael Jordan and Walter Payton as sports icons who shaped the city around the same era. Hoyer said Sandberg’s humility and sense of responsibility to Chicago set him apart.
Sandberg led Chicago back to the postseason in 1989, hitting .290 with 30 home runs as the Cubs again won the NL East. He batted .400 in the NLCS, but the team lost to the Giants in five games. In 1990, he set a personal high with a league-leading 40 home runs and achieved 100 RBIs in both 1990 and 1991, but never returned to the playoffs.
When Sandberg retired after the 1997 season, he held the MLB record for most home runs by a second baseman. Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux remembered Sandberg as an exemplary teammate and leader, noting his willingness to mentor younger players.
In 2005, Sandberg entered the Baseball Hall of Fame, collecting 76.2% of the vote from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America on his third ballot. That same year, the Cubs retired his number 23. Former Cubs first baseman Mark Grace said there were seasons when Sandberg was simply the best all-around player on the field, thanks to his impact on both offense and defense.
After his playing days, Sandberg managed in the minor leagues for both the Cubs and the Phillies, then joined Philadelphia’s coaching staff as third-base coach. Following Charlie Manuel’s exit in August 2013, Sandberg became the Phillies’ interim manager, compiling a 119-159 record before leaving midway through a tough 2015 season.
In tribute, the Cubs announced they would wear a special jersey patch for the rest of the season. Outfielder Ian Happ said that Sandberg’s influence shaped an entire generation of fans and left an enduring mark on the team.
Among many paying tribute was former President Barack Obama, who wrote on X that “Hall of Famer and Cubs stalwart Ryne Sandberg wasn’t just a great baseball player – he was a class act who never cheated the game. Everyone in Chicago – including White Sox fans – will miss him deeply.”