Ryne Sandberg, a Hall of Fame second baseman and Chicago Cubs icon, passed away on July 28, 2025, at age 65 from metastatic prostate cancer, which he battled courageously. His death marks the end of an era for Cubs fans and the baseball world.
Sandberg transformed the second base position in baseball through his extraordinary career. Renowned for his power, speed, and defensive skills, he earned All-Star honours for ten consecutive years. He also claimed nine Gold Glove Awards and seven Silver Slugger Awards. In 2005, voters elected him to the Baseball Hall of Fame with 76.2% of the vote.
In January 2024, Sandberg announced his diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, he shared in August 2024 that he was cancer-free. Tragically, the cancer returned and spread to other organs, as he revealed on Instagram on December 10, 2024. Despite the setback, Sandberg remained optimistic, vowing to fight while cherishing time with loved ones.
Ryne Sandberg, the Hall of Fame second baseman and 10-time All-Star with the Chicago Cubs, has died at the age of 65, it was announced Monday.
Sandberg had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in 2024. pic.twitter.com/SMCpcXk6SV
— ESPN (@espn) July 29, 2025His resilience inspired many. Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts called him “one of the all-time greats in nearly 150 years of this historic franchise.” Sandberg’s positive outlook and dedication to baseball left a lasting impact.
Sandberg, a Spokane, Washington native, began his career with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1981, then made his mark with the Cubs following a 1982 trade. In his breakout 1984 season, he delivered the iconic “Sandberg Game” against the St. Louis Cardinals and captured the National League MVP award. He batted .314, led the league with 114 runs and 19 triples, and hit 19 home runs.
Cubs legend and baseball Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg has sadly passed away after battling cancer
Sandberg was the National League’s MVP in 1984 and a nine-time Gold Glove Award winner pic.twitter.com/DuGik18sOB
— SleeperMLB (@SleeperMLB) July 29, 2025Sandberg led the Cubs to the playoffs in 1984 and 1989, although they fell short of reaching the World Series. His 277 home runs as a second baseman set a record at the time, later surpassed by Jeff Kent. His .989 fielding percentage was also a major-league record for second basemen upon retirement in 1997.
Cubs president Jed Hoyer described Sandberg as a “superhero” in Chicago, comparing him to Michael Jordan and Walter Payton for his grace under fame. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised his five-tool talent and work ethic. Sandberg’s statue, unveiled at Wrigley Field in June 2024, immortalises his defensive crouch.
Sandberg served as a Cubs ambassador and occasional broadcaster after retiring. He and his wife, Margaret, founded Ryno Kid Care to support children with serious illnesses. He is survived by Margaret, their children, and eight grandchildren.
