Ryne Sandberg, Cubs legend and Hall of Famer, dies at 65 after battling cancer

Ryne Sandberg, Hall of Fame second baseman and one of the greatest players in Chicago Cubs history, has died at age 65. He passed away at home on Monday, surrounded by his family, the team confirmed.

Sandberg revealed in January 2024 that he had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. Although he initially declared himself cancer-free that August, he shared in December that the disease had returned and spread. Earlier this month, he announced he was still fighting and cherishing time with loved ones.



Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts called Sandberg 'one of the all-time greats' in the club’s 150-year history, praising his integrity, hustle, and dedication. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred remembered him as a 'five-tool player' known for power, speed, and relentless work ethic.

Born in Spokane, Washington, Sandberg was drafted by the Phillies in the 20th round in 1978. After a brief stint with Philadelphia in 1981, he was traded to Chicago in a deal now considered one of baseball’s most lopsided.


Over 15 seasons with the Cubs, Sandberg hit .285 with 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases. A 10-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner, he won NL MVP in 1984 and helped lead the Cubs to postseason appearances that year and in 1989. His performance in the famed 'Sandberg Game' in 1984, when he hit two game-tying home runs against the Cardinals, remains legendary.


Sandberg led the NL with 40 homers in 1990 and drove in 100 runs in both 1990 and 1991. He retired in 1997 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005, the same year the Cubs retired his No. 23. He later managed the Phillies from 2013 to 2015, finishing with a 119-159 record.