Ryne Sandberg, Beloved Baseball Legend, Passes Away
Ryne Sandberg, a celebrated figure in baseball, has passed away at the age of 65. The Hall of Famer, who is best known for his time with the Chicago Cubs, played primarily as a second baseman and later went on to manage the Philadelphia Phillies. His death was announced on July 28 by both the Cubs and Major League Baseball.
Tom Ricketts, the Cubs’ executive chairman, expressed heartfelt sentiments about Sandberg, stating, “He 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.” He highlighted Sandberg’s dedication to the sport, his integrity, and competitive spirit, emphasizing how proud Sandberg was of his family.
Born in Spokane, Washington, in 1959, Sandberg had a deep connection to baseball from a young age. He was named after Ryne Duren, a relief pitcher for the New York Yankees, and grew up playing the game under the guidance of his older brother, Del. Despite excelling in other sports, including football and basketball, Sandberg chose to pursue baseball, believing it offered a more viable career path. His skills were evident early on, leading to his selection by the Philadelphia Phillies in the draft.
Sandberg made his Major League Baseball debut in 1981 as a shortstop, but after a trade to the Chicago Cubs in 1982, he found his groove as a second baseman. His defensive talents quickly shone through, earning him a Gold Glove award in 1983. The highlight of his career came in 1984 when he had a breakout season, batting .314 and leading the National League in runs and triples. During one memorable game against the St. Louis Cardinals, he hit two home runs that earned him a legendary status among fans.
Over his illustrious career, Sandberg garnered impressive accolades: nine Gold Gloves, ten All-Star selections, and seven Silver Slugger awards. He also led the National League in home runs in 1990 and left a lasting impression on the sport, etched into the hearts of Cubs fans who longed for a World Series victory.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Sandberg remained humble and quiet on and off the field. Known as “Gabby” to his teammates due to his reserved nature, he expressed admiration for Cubs fans, recognizing their deep knowledge of the game and their passionate support.
In 1994, Sandberg faced challenges that led him to briefly retire mid-season. “I am not the type of person who can be satisfied with anything less than my very best effort,” he remarked. However, he returned to the Cubs in 1996 and 1997 before retiring with a career batting average of .285 and 277 home runs, a record for second basemen at the time. His final home game coincided with the farewell of Cubs’ renowned announcer Harry Caray.
In 2005, Sandberg was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Cubs honored him by retiring his jersey number, solidifying his legacy within the organization. A statue in his honor was unveiled in 2024, celebrating his contributions to the franchise.
After his playing career, Sandberg transitioned to managing within the Cubs’ minor-league system and later took up the role of manager for the Phillies. He found success at various levels, eventually stepping into the role of major-league manager in 2013, though he resigned in mid-2015.
Sandberg was married twice, first to Cindy, with whom he had two children, and later to Margaret, becoming a stepfather to her three children. His family was a significant source of pride for him throughout his life. Sandberg often expressed a desire for the Cubs to win a World Series, something that finally happened in 2016. At that time, he was honored with a World Series ring.
In early 2024, Sandberg began treatment for prostate cancer, later announcing becoming cancer-free. However, he shared in December that the cancer had returned, and he remained determined to fight the illness.
Ryne Sandberg leaves behind a lasting legacy in baseball and is survived by his wife, children, and stepchildren. His contributions to the sport and influence on fans will not be forgotten.
