The Chicago Cubs organization announced that beloved second baseman Ryne Sandberg has passed away at the age of 65, following a battle with prostate cancer.
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With great sadness, we share that Ryne Sandberg has passed away today. pic.twitter.com/LJJ0jGqSy5
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 29, 2025
In January 2024, Sandberg first announced his diagnosis, while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Then in August 2024, he was proclaimed cancer-free, however, tragically it was revealed the cancer had returned and spread to other organs (per an Instagram post on 12/10/24).
"Looking forward to making the most of every day with my loving family and friends," Sandberg said earlier this month.
Sandberg will forever be solidified as one of the greatest players in franchise history, as Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts reiterated this in a team statement.
"Will be remembered as one of the all-time greats in nearly 150 years of this historic franchise," Ricketts said. "His dedication to and respect for the game, along with his unrelenting integrity, grit, hustle, and competitive fire were hallmarks of his career."
Throughout his 15-year career in Chicago, Sandberg batted .285 and had 282 homers, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 steals. This led to 10 All-Star appearances, including his memorable 1990 Home Run Derby victory. Not to mention, he was one of the best two-way players in MLB history, with a total of nine Gold Gloves earned.
Former Cubs first baseman Mark Grace said, "When you examine the offense and defense, you'll find some years where he was the best player you've ever seen in your life."
In Cubs franchise history, he ranks Top 5 in the following categories: homers, doubles (403), stolen bases (344), hits (2,385), runs scored (1,316), extra-base hits (761), total bases (3,786) and games played (2,151).
Two decades ago, Sandberg was inducted into the Hall of Fame (receiving 76.2% of the vote by the Baseball Writers' Association of America), and the Cubs retired his No. 23 that same year (2005).
In view of his post-career, Sandberg went on to coach for his two former organizations, the Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies (the same team that drafted him in 1978). That is, he became the third base coach for the Phillies and was then subsequently promoted to interim manager after the firing of Charlie Manuel (August 2013). Sandberg accumulated a 119-159 record in Philadelphia, before resigning in the 2015 season.
"Ryne Sandberg was a legend of the Chicago Cubs franchise and a beloved figure throughout Major League Baseball," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a released a statement. "He was a five-tool player who excelled in every facet of the game thanks to his power, speed and work ethic."
Shortstop Dansby Swanson also paid tribute to Sandberg's character.
"Just such a top-shelf human being. He made such an impact on me even in my short time of being able to be around him," Swanson said. "Just an unbelievable human being and someone that I'm very, very grateful to have met and spent time with, whether it's talking about life or talking about ball."
Sandberg is survived by his wife Margaret, his five children and 11 grandchildren.
The Cubs announced that they will wear a special jersey patch for the remainder of the season in memory of their legendary second baseman.
RIP
Related: MLB Legend Willie Mays Passes Away At 93
