Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame Ryne Sandberg has passed away at the age of 65, the team announced Monday night.
Sandberg has been battling metastatic prostate cancer since January 2024. After a brief remission, he announced in December that his cancer had returned and spread to other organs, and that he would face more intense treatment.
He dumped his ceremonial first pitch on his first day at Wrigley Field in early April, but his health had not improved and the team announced he had passed away on Monday.
In a press release after Sandberg’s death, the team announced in his memory that they would wear a special jersey patch for the rest of the season.
“Lynn Sandberg is remembered as one of the greatest greatest men of all time in almost 150 years of this historic franchise,” said Tom Ricketts, executive chairman of the Cubs, on behalf of his family and the Cubs organization. “Along with his relentless integrity, grit, hustling and competitive fire, his dedication and respect for the game were hallmarks of his career. He was extremely proud of his role as a global ambassador for the baseball game, but more than anything, he was proud of his role as Margaret, his children, and his husband and father.
Sandberg issued a social media statement earlier this month.
“To all the fans and extended baseball families – I wanted to share updates on my health,” the statement said. “I have been treated regularly, so I have been challenging for a few months.
“I look forward to making the most of my daily life with my beloved family and friends while I continue to fight.
“I’ve never been to Wrigley Field as much as I expected in the first half, but I’ve been watching all the games and I’m excited about the second half, and Wrigley is shaking like in 1984.
“Thank you for all the support messages. I’m going to the Cubs!”
Ryne Sandberg is a Cubs fan hero, many of whom appeared at Wrigley Field to remember a player called “Ryno.” Natalie Martinez of NBC Chicago reports.
Sandberg was drafted by the Phillies in the 1978 MLB Draft. He appeared in 13 games for the Phillies during the 1981 season, and was traded for the Cubs in 1982 with Larry Bohr in exchange for Ivan de Jesus.
Sandberg then played almost the entire MLB career with the Cubs, winning nine gold gloves and seven Silver Slugger Awards while earning National League MVP honors in 1984. He was a 10-time All-Star and won the 1990 home run derby at Wrigley Field.
Overall, Sandberg hit 282 home runs and drove 1,061 RBIs in his major league career, and was selected for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.
He later served as manager of the Cubs organization at various levels before being hired by the Phillies in 2013. He managed 278 games and placed a record of 119-159 before resigning in the 2015 campaign.
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