Kenya, July 29 -- Ryne Sandberg, the Hall of Fame second baseman and Chicago Cubs legend, passed away on July 28, 2025, at age 65, following a courageous battle with metastatic prostate cancer.
The Cubs announced his death on social media, stating that Sandberg died at home surrounded by his wife, Margaret, their children, and grandchildren.
Diagnosed in January 2024, Sandberg's cancer battle saw a brief remission in August before the disease returned and spread in December, leading to intensive treatment.
Known for his 1984 National League MVP season and the iconic "Sandberg Game," Sandberg's legacy as a five-tool player and Cubs ambassador endures, with tributes pouring in from fans and the baseball community.
Born on September 18, 1959, in Spokane, Washington, Ryne Dee Sandberg, nicknamed "Ryno," transformed the second base position with his blend of power, speed, and defence. Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 20th round of the 1978 MLB Draft, he debuted in 1981 before being traded to the Cubs in a deal now considered one of the franchise's best. Sandberg's breakout came in 1984, when he hit 314, led the NL with 19 triples, and earned MVP honours.
His "Sandberg Game" on June 23, 1984, against the Cardinals, where he went 5-for-6 with two game-tying home runs off Bruce Sutter, cemented his stardom.
Over 15 seasons with the Cubs, he amassed 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, 344 stolen bases, 10 All-Star selections, nine Gold Gloves, and seven Silver Sluggers, retiring with a .989 fielding percentage, a record at the time.
Sandberg's cancer journey was public and inspiring. After his January 2024 diagnosis, he underwent chemotherapy and radiation, announcing he was cancer-free in August.
However, the cancer's return in December 2024, spreading to other organs, prompted more aggressive treatment. In a July 2025 Instagram post, Sandberg shared, "It's been a challenging few months as I have been going through treatment on a regular basis. While I am continuing to fight, I'm looking forward to making the most of every day with my loving family and friends."
Despite his health struggles, he threw the ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field on April 4, 2025, joined by Cubs legends like Billy Williams and Andre Dawson, drawing massive ovations. Fans on X praised his resilience, with one posting, "Ryno's fight was as fierce as his play. A true Cubs hero."
The Cubs, who unveiled a statue of Sandberg outside Wrigley Field in June 2024, mourned his loss deeply. Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts called him "a hero to a generation of Cubs fans," highlighting his integrity and competitive fire. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Sandberg's five-tool excellence and his role as a Cubs ambassador and Phillies manager (2013-2015).
The Hall of Fame, where Sandberg was inducted in 2005, noted his "unshakable positive outlook." Tributes from former teammates like Mark Grace and Jed Hoyer, who called him a "superhero in this city," underscored his impact.
A growing memorial at his Wrigley statue reflects his enduring connection to fans, with one visitor, Ed Twohey, saying, "He was always around, a true ambassador."
Sandberg's off-field contributions were equally significant. With Margaret, he founded Ryno Kid Care, providing support like mentors and home-cooked meals for children with serious illnesses.
His roots in Spokane, where he was a three-sport star and named after pitcher Ryne Duren, shaped his work ethic. Despite a brief retirement in 1994, he returned in 1996, hitting 25 home runs.
His influence extended to mentoring young players during the 2025 spring training, with manager Craig Counsell noting, "It was an honour to be around a man battling for his life."
The baseball world, from Chicago to Kenya, where sports fandom thrives, mourns Sandberg's loss. His 1984 season, coinciding with Michael Jordan's Bulls debut, made him a Chicago icon.
Fans reflect global grief, with one fan writing, "Ryne Sandberg's cancer battle was tough, but his legacy lives on." As the Cubs lead the NL Central, Wrigley Field's marquee honours Sandberg, ensuring his memory endures. His story of resilience and excellence continues to inspire, with calls to support Stand Up To Cancer in his name.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.