Cubs Legend Ryne Sandberg Passes Away at 65 After Battle with Prostate Cancer
CHICAGO, IL – July 29, 2025 – Ryne Sandberg, the Chicago Cubs’ iconic second baseman and Baseball Hall of Famer, died on July 28, 2025, at age 65 from metastatic prostate cancer. The news has left the baseball world and Cubs fans in mourning, with tributes pouring in for the man known as “Ryno.”
Health Battle and Cause of Death
Sandberg announced his prostate cancer diagnosis in January 2024. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, he briefly celebrated being cancer-free in August 2024. However, in December, he shared that the cancer had returned and spread, requiring aggressive treatment. Sandberg passed away at his home, surrounded by his wife, Margaret, and family.
A Storied Career with the Cubs
Sandberg’s 16-year MLB career, primarily with the Cubs, redefined the second base position. Traded to Chicago from the Philadelphia Phillies in 1982, he became a franchise cornerstone. His career stats include a .285 batting average, 2,386 hits, 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases. A 10-time All-Star, Sandberg won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards (1983–1991), seven Silver Slugger Awards, and the 1984 National League MVP. His standout moment came in the “Sandberg Game” on June 23, 1984, hitting two game-tying home runs against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 12-11 Cubs win. In 2005, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and in June 2024, the Cubs unveiled a statue in his honor outside Wrigley Field.
Personal Life
Sandberg is survived by his wife, Margaret, whom he married in 1995, and his five children—Justin, Lindsey, Steven, B.R., and Adriane—along with 11 grandchildren. He was previously married to Cindy, with whom he had two children. Sandberg and Margaret founded Ryno Kid Care, supporting children with serious medical conditions.
Recent Years
Before his passing, Sandberg served as a Cubs ambassador, appearing at games and mentoring players. He managed the Philadelphia Phillies from 2013 to 2015 and worked as a color commentator for Marquee Sports Network. Despite his illness, he attended his statue unveiling in 2024, a moment cherished by fans.
Reactions from the Public
Super Sky Point to Ryne Sandberg, my favorite second baseman of all time. I will never forget the countless hours tuned into WGN with Harry Caray and Steve Stone during those beautiful childhood summers that lasted forever. Before we knew how fast time actually flies and that our… pic.twitter.com/jQrNzvfJzZ
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) July 29, 2025
1984 NL MVP. 10-time All-Star. 9-time Gold Glover. 7-time Silver Slugger. Hall of Famer.
MLB Network mourns the passing of Cubs icon Ryne Sandberg. pic.twitter.com/Xb2EJZHjFK
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 29, 2025
RIP Ryne Sandberg. 🙏🏽 #Cubs pic.twitter.com/Xz0IouDSEU
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) July 29, 2025
A Lasting Legacy
Sandberg’s statue at Wrigley Field and his Hall of Fame plaque in Cooperstown ensure his legacy endures. As Cubs president Jed Hoyer said, “He was a superhero in this city, right up there with Jordan and Payton.” The baseball world mourns a true icon, but Ryne Sandberg’s contributions to the Cubs and the sport will live on forever.
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