CHICAGO — The city of Chicago is enveloped in grief today as news spreads of the passing of Chicago Cubs icon and Baseball Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, who died at age 65 after a courageous battle with metastatic prostate cancer. Known affectionately as “Ryno,” Sandberg was a transformative figure in baseball, a quiet leader whose grace, skill, and dedication left an indelible mark on the Cubs and their fans.

The Chicago Cubs confirmed Sandberg’s passing on Monday, July 28, 2025, shortly after the team returned from a road trip. Fans flocked to Wrigley Field, gathering outside the storied ballpark at Clark and Addison to lay flowers, jerseys, and heartfelt notes at the base of Sandberg’s statue, unveiled in June 2024 to honor his legacy. The outpouring reflects the deep connection Chicagoans felt with a player who embodied the heart of the city.
Sandberg’s 16-year Major League career was defined by excellence, with 15 of those seasons spent with the Cubs. A 10-time All-Star, he won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards for his stellar defense at second base and seven Silver Slugger Awards for his offensive prowess. In 1984, Sandberg earned the National League MVP Award, batting .314 with 19 home runs, 84 RBIs, 32 stolen bases, and a league-leading 19 triples. That same year, he etched his name into Cubs lore with “The Sandberg Game” on June 23, a nationally televised matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals where he went 5-for-6, hitting two game-tying home runs off Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter and driving in seven runs in a thrilling 12-11 victory.

His career statistics—2,386 hits, 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, 344 stolen bases, and a .285 batting average—cemented his place among baseball’s elite. Sandberg’s .989 fielding percentage at second base was a major-league record upon his retirement in 1997. In 2005, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Cubs retired his No. 23, a testament to his enduring impact. “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,” said former Cubs first baseman Mark Grace.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Sandberg’s quiet intensity and professionalism made him a role model. After retiring, he served as a Cubs ambassador, making appearances and occasionally joining broadcasts on Marquee Sports Network. He also managed in the minor leagues and led the Philadelphia Phillies from 2013 to 2015, compiling a 119-159 record. “Not only was he a Hall of Famer, he was a man who personified class and dignity,” said Phillies managing partner John Middleton.

Sandberg’s battle with prostate cancer became public in January 2024, when he announced his diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer. After chemotherapy and radiation, he celebrated being cancer-free in August 2024, ringing the bell to mark the milestone. Tragically, the cancer returned and spread to other organs by December, requiring more intensive treatment. Through it all, Sandberg remained positive, sharing updates on social media and expressing gratitude for the support of his family, friends, and fans. “We will continue to be positive, strong, and fight to beat this,” he wrote in December.

The Sandberg family released a statement through the Cubs: “Ryne fought with the same quiet strength and dignity that defined his career. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. We ask for privacy during this difficult time and thank the fans for the overwhelming love and support.” Sandberg is survived by his wife, Margaret, his children Justin, Lindsey, BR, Adriane, and Steven, and his 11 grandchildren.

Tributes poured in from across the baseball world. “Ryne Sandberg was a legend of the Chicago Cubs franchise and a beloved figure throughout Major League Baseball,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. “He was a five-tool player who excelled in every facet of the game thanks to his power, speed, and work ethic.” Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts added, “Ryne 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.”

Former teammates and Cubs alumni, including Jon Lester and Kerry Wood, honored Sandberg by wearing his No. 23 jersey at Wrigley Field in recent weeks. “He was a superhero in this city,” said Cubs president Jed Hoyer, likening Sandberg’s impact to that of Michael Jordan and Walter Payton. Fans echoed this sentiment, with one, Jeff Gorski, telling ABC7, “He shaped my baseball life. He shaped what I saw a good person to be like.”

The Cubs will wear a special jersey patch for the remainder of the 2025 season to commemorate Sandberg, and donations in his memory can be made to Cubs Charities or Stand Up To Cancer, causes he supported during his fight. As Chicago mourns, Sandberg’s spirit endures in the ivy-covered walls of Wrigley Field, where his hustle, heart, and humility will inspire generations to come.

Rest in peace, Ryno. Your legacy lives on in every crack of the bat and every cheer from the Friendly Confines.