Kristina Roberts
Ryne Sandberg, one of the most loved baseball players in the United States, has passed away at the age of 65. His death has left a big hole in the hearts of many fans, especially those who have followed the Chicago Cubs for years. Sandberg had been fighting metastatic prostate cancer since 2024, and the news of his passing was confirmed by the Cubs. The team, the fans, and the baseball community as a whole are mourning the loss of a true legend.
Sandberg was not just a player; he was an important part of the Cubs’ long and rich history. Over 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), 15 of which he spent with the Cubs, Sandberg earned respect and love for his powerful performance on the field and his calm nature off it. He was known as “Ryno,” and his jersey number 23 is one of only four numbers ever retired by the Cubs. That shows just how special he was to the team and to the city of Chicago.
Tom Ricketts, the chairman of the Cubs, shared his deep respect and sadness, saying, “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.” These words reflect just how important Sandberg was—not only to the team but to the entire sport.
Ryne Sandberg’s journey in baseball began with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 1981, he played only 13 games for the Phillies as a shortstop. At the time, not many people knew who he was or what he would become. But everything changed when the Phillies traded him to the Chicago Cubs, along with Larry Bowa, a well-known shortstop who later became a manager and executive. That trade turned out to be a major moment in the history of the Cubs.
When Sandberg joined the Cubs in 1982, he changed positions and became a second baseman. This move worked perfectly for him, and he went on to spend the next several years playing in that position with great success. He played for the Cubs until 1997, although he briefly retired in 1994 and then returned to the team in 1996. His time with the Cubs is remembered fondly by fans who watched him play with determination, grace, and strength.
In his career, Sandberg had many incredible achievements. He had a batting average of .285, hit 282 home runs, and drove in 1,061 runs. He was chosen as an All-Star 10 times, which means he was considered one of the best players in the league during those years. He also won seven Silver Slugger Awards for his powerful hitting and nine Gold Glove Awards for his excellent fielding skills. One of his biggest achievements came in 1984 when he was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the National League.
That same year—1984—was when Sandberg truly became a household name in America. On June 23, he played a game that fans still talk about today. It’s now known as “The Sandberg Game.” In that match against the St. Louis Cardinals, Sandberg hit two game-tying home runs in the ninth and 10th innings. He did this against Bruce Sutter, who was one of the best closers in baseball at the time. The Cubs came back from behind three times in that game and finally won, thanks to Sandberg’s heroic performance. This game showed everyone what made him special: strength, calmness, and the ability to shine when the pressure was at its highest.
After retiring as a player, Sandberg remained connected to baseball. In 2005, he received one of the highest honors a player can get—he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. That meant he would always be remembered as one of the best players the sport has ever seen. Outside Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs, there is even a statue of him, which was put there to honor his greatness and remind future generations of the player who gave so much to the team.
Sandberg’s success on the field was only part of what made him so special. He was known for his quiet leadership and his strong character. Even when things were tough, he didn’t complain or show frustration. He played with respect and let his actions do the talking. This is something many fans and young players admired. He became a role model not only for his baseball talent but also for the way he carried himself as a person.
His passing reminds us all how much he meant to the sport and to the people who watched him play. It’s not just about the awards or the numbers. It’s about the memories he gave fans, the moments of joy, and the inspiration he provided to so many. He showed that with hard work, patience, and passion, a person can achieve great things—even if their journey doesn’t start with a lot of attention.
Though Ryne Sandberg is no longer with us, his legacy will live on forever. Every time someone walks by his statue at Wrigley Field or sees the number 23 jersey, they will remember the man who helped shape the history of the Cubs and brought joy to millions. His story will be told for years to come—not just as a great baseball player but as a great human being.
As the Cubs and the baseball world say goodbye to Ryno, they will never forget the impact he made. From a young shortstop playing just a few games in Philadelphia to becoming one of the greatest second basemen in history, Ryne Sandberg’s story is one of greatness, heart, and inspiration.
