Cubs Mourn the Loss of “Ryno” Sandberg at 65

Summary:

• Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg has lost a long battle with metastatic prostate cancer.
• The iconic Chicago Cubs player was MVP in 1984, made 10 All-Star teams, and won nine Gold Gloves.
• “Ryno” will forever be remembered for his “Sandberg Game” in 1984.

The baseball world is getting ready to bid goodbye to another icon. Beloved Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg has lost the battle with metastatic prostate cancer, passing away on Monday at age 65.

The beloved second basemen in MLB history first shared his diagnosis with fans in 2024.

“A Hero to a Generation of Chicago Cubs Fans”

Known affectionately as “Ryno”, Sandberg was the heart and soul of the Chicago Cubs for 15 of his 16 major league seasons.

He built an extraordinary career, during which he hit .285 with 282 home runs and 1,061 RBIs, collecting nine Gold Gloves, seven Silver Sluggers, and the National League MVP award in 1984. That same season kicked off a streak of 10 straight All-Star appearances.

Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement.

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

While Sandberg made his debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1981, his legacy truly began following his trade to the Cubs during that offseason, when he arrived in Chicago alongside veteran Larry Bowa and shifted to second base, where he quickly found his groove.

“Do You Believe It?”

His breakout came in 1984, highlighted by one of the most iconic performances in franchise history.

On June 23, in what would become known simply as “The Sandberg Game” he blasted game-tying home runs in both the ninth and tenth innings off Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter, carrying the Cubs to an exciting comeback win.

Bob Costas’ famous “Do you believe it?” call only added to the moment’s magic.

Sandberg finished that season batting .314 with an impressive 200 hits, 36 doubles, 19 triples, 19 home runs, and 32 stolen bases. He was named MVP and became the face of Cubs baseball for over a decade.

Beyond his offensive power, Sandberg’s glove was just as elite. He retired with a .989 career fielding percentage, a record for second basemen at the time, and his nine Gold Gloves rank second only to Roberto Alomar.

After retiring, Sandberg stayed close to the game, coaching in the minors, managing the Phillies, and later returning to the Cubs in an ambassador role.

His No. 23 jersey flies proudly at Wrigley Field, where a statue in his honor stands as a permanent tribute to his greatness