Ryne Sandberg, the Hall of Fame second baseman celebrated for his stellar career with the Chicago Cubs, has died at the age of 65. The Cubs confirmed that Sandberg passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025, surrounded by his family at his home. He had been battling metastatic prostate cancer since announcing his diagnosis in January 2024.
Sandberg, nicknamed "Ryno," was born on September 18, 1959, in Spokane, Washington. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school, excelling in baseball, football, and basketball. Before his baseball career took off, he even earned All-America Team honors as a quarterback and punter.
Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 20th round of the 1978 MLB draft, Sandberg made his major league debut with the team in 1981. However, his career truly blossomed after being traded to the Chicago Cubs in January 1982. This trade, which also sent Larry Bowa to the Cubs in exchange for Iván DeJesus, is now considered one of the most lopsided in baseball history.
Donning the Cubs uniform, Sandberg quickly established himself as one of the game's premier players. He spent 15 seasons with the Cubs, becoming a fan favorite and a symbol of the team. His impact was so profound that Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts stated Sandberg "will be remembered as one of the all-time greats in nearly 150 years of this historic franchise".
Sandberg's career was marked by exceptional fielding and offensive prowess. From 1983 to 1991, he won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards, showcasing his defensive skills at second base. Offensively, he was a consistent threat, earning seven Silver Slugger Awards. In 1990, he led the National League in home runs, a rare feat for a second baseman.
His peak year came in 1984 when he hit .314 with 19 home runs and 84 RBIs, leading the National League in runs and triples. That season, he earned the National League Most Valuable Player Award and led the Cubs to their first postseason appearance since 1945. He was also selected to 10 All-Star teams.
Sandberg retired in 1997 with a career batting average of .285, 282 home runs, and 1,061 RBIs. His .989 fielding percentage was a Major League record at second base when he retired. In 2005, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Following his Hall of Fame induction, the Cubs retired his number 23 in a ceremony at Wrigley Field.
After his playing career, Sandberg remained involved in baseball, coaching in the minor leagues for both the Cubs and Phillies organizations. He also managed the Philadelphia Phillies from 2013 to 2015.
Sandberg's legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. He was known for his dedication to the game, his integrity, and his respect for the fundamentals of baseball. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred noted that he "was a five-tool player who excelled in every facet of the game thanks to his power, speed and work ethic".
Sandberg is survived by his wife, Margaret, and his children, Justin and Lindsey, as well as Margaret's three children, B.R., Adriane, and Steven, and eight grandchildren.
