Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg died Monday at his home at age 65, following his battle with metastatic prostate cancer diagnosed in January 2024.
The 10-time All-Star and 1984 National League MVP spent all 15 seasons of his playing career with the Cubs. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death, according to team officials.
Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts praised Sandberg\'s impact on the organization and baseball community.
\"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. His dedication to and respect for the game, along with his unrelenting integrity, grit, hustle, and competitive fire were hallmarks of his career.\"
Sandberg compiled a .285 career batting average with 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs and 344 stolen bases. He won nine consecutive Gold Glove awards and became just the third primary second baseman to hit 40 home runs in a season (1990).
The Cubs honored Sandberg with a statue outside Wrigley Field in June 2024, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the legendary \"Sandberg Game.\" In that contest, he hit game-tying home runs in the ninth and 10th innings against St. Louis.
After retiring, Sandberg managed the Philadelphia Phillies from 2013-2015, posting a 119-159 record. He remained active with the Cubs as a spring training instructor and team ambassador.
Sandberg was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. He is survived by his wife Margaret, five children, and 11 grandchildren.
Via ESPN