Hall of Famer and Beloved Cubs Star Ryne Sandberg Dies at 65 After Cancer Battle
By ADEL — July 29, 2025
Ryne Sandberg, a Hall of Famer and iconic second baseman for the Chicago Cubs, has died at the age of 65 after battling metastatic prostate cancer. Sandberg passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his wife Margaret, children, and grandchildren.
Legacy of Greatness & Grace
Sandberg starred in MLB primarily with the Chicago Cubs from 1982 to 1994 and then briefly in 1996–97. He earned 10 straight All-Star nods, nine Gold Gloves, seven Silver Sluggers, and was named National League MVP in 1984 .
His breakout came during the legendary “Sandberg Game” on June 23, 1984, when he hit two dramatic ninth- and tenth-inning home runs to tie the game and drive in seven runs—a moment that cemented his status in Cubs lore .
The Cubs retired his #23 jersey and inducted him into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, with a statue unveiled at Wrigley Field in June 2024 .
A Courageous Battle Against Cancer
Sandberg was first diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in January 2024. Although he declared himself cancer-free in August, the illness returned and spread later that year . He remained engaged with the baseball community and participated in spring training earlier this year despite his declining health.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred described Sandberg as a “five‑tool player who excelled in every facet of the game,” while Cubs leadership expressed profound admiration for his integrity, grit, and competitive fire — on and off the field .
Tributes Pour In
Former teammates, opponents, and fans have flooded social media and baseball channels with tributes. Detroit Hall of Famer Jim Palmer called Sandberg a “courageous fighter,” while White Sox icon Frank Thomas remembered him as a “class act.” At Wrigley Field, many left single roses beside Sandberg’s statue in quiet homage .
Cubs left fielder Ian Happ said, “You could feel it when he was around… what he meant to all of us, the fan base and the players” .
Remembering a True Icon
Sandberg retired in 1997 with a career average of .285, 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases, a Hall of Fame résumé topped by defensive excellence and consistent leadership .
After his playing days, he worked as a coach and manager—including a stint leading the Philadelphia Phillies from 2013 to 2015—and served as a beloved ambassador for the Cubs .
In Summary
When? Ryne Sandberg died on July 28, 2025, at age 65, after living with metastatic prostate cancer for nearly two years .
Why He Mattered? Considered one of the best all-around second basemen in baseball history, Sandberg embodied excellence, humility, and loyalty.
Legacy? From the “Sandberg Game” to his statue at Wrigley, his impact reached far beyond stats—into the hearts of Cubs fans and the broader baseball family.
