Veteran baseball star Ryne Sandberg passes away following a bout with cancer
Ryne Sandberg, Legendary Chicago Cubs Second Baseman, Passes Away at 65
Ryne Sandberg, a Hall of Fame second baseman and a beloved figure throughout Major League Baseball, passed away at the age of 65 on Monday. Sandberg, born and raised in Spokane, Washington, spent 15 years with the Chicago Cubs, where he made 10 All-Star teams and won 9 Gold Gloves.
Sandberg's career with the Cubs began in 1982 when he was traded from Philadelphia, along with Larry Bowa, for veteran infielder Ivan De Jesus. His impact was immediate, as he led Chicago back to the playoffs in 1989, hitting .290 with 30 homers.
During his time with the Cubs, Sandberg displayed an all-around excellence that was rare in baseball. He hit .285 overall, with 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases. Sandberg's versatility was evident in his play, as he combined power, speed, and defense at an elite level for over a decade.
One of Sandberg's most memorable seasons came in 1990, when he set a career high with 40 homers, leading the National League that year. He also drove in a career-best 100 runs in both 1990 and 1991. Sandberg's defensive prowess was also on display during this period, as he set MLB records for second basemen with 123 consecutive errorless games and a .989 fielding percentage.
In 2005, Sandberg's No. 23 was retired by the Cubs, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He received 76.2% of the vote by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Sandberg's impact on the game was not limited to his playing days, as he managed Philadelphia from August 2013 to June 2015.
Despite his success on the field, Sandberg's life was not without struggle. In January 2024, he was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. Despite chemotherapy and radiation treatments, the cancer returned and spread to other organs in December 2024. Sandberg passed away at his home, surrounded by his family.
Ryne Sandberg's career statistics with the Chicago Cubs include 10 All-Star appearances, 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, 344 stolen bases, and 9 Gold Glove awards. Sandberg's legacy will live on in the hearts of Cubs fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.
Additional Notable Achievements and Context
- Sandberg led the National League in runs scored three times (1984, 1989, and 1990).
- He won the Home Run Derby in 1990 at Wrigley Field.
- Sandberg led the NL in home runs in 1990, with a career-high 40.
- He had six seasons with at least 25 home runs and five seasons with 30+ steals.
- Sandberg was selected out of high school by Philadelphia in the 20th round of the 1978 amateur draft.
Sandberg demonstrated his prowess in baseball, particularly in sports like baseball, most notably with the Chicago Cubs, where he excelled in the Major League Baseball (MLB). He set a career-high of 40 home runs in MLB during the 1990 season, showcasing his power in the game.
