Ryne Sandberg, Cubs Legend, Dies at 65 After Battle with Cancer
The baseball world mourns the loss of Ryne Sandberg, the Hall of Fame second baseman who captivated fans with his power, speed, and defensive brilliance during a 16-year Major League Baseball career, and who became synonymous with the Chicago Cubs for 15 seasons. Sandberg passed away on Monday at the age of 65 after being diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in January 2024.
Sandberg wasn’t just a player; he was the face of a franchise and a beloved figure throughout the sport. Even as his health declined, he remained connected to the Cubs, making appearances at spring training and continuing to embody the grace and power that defined his playing days.
From Philadelphia Struggle to Chicago Stardom
Traded to the Cubs from the Philadelphia Phillies in January 1982, Sandberg initially faced challenges. He arrived in Chicago determined to overcome a difficult start to his career. A former teammate, Larry Bowa, recalled Sandberg’s relentless work ethic and dedication to improvement. “I think about how he handled himself when he first got called up. He struggled out of the gate. I watched this guy not let it affect him. It might have affected him on the inside, but the way he handled himself on the outside was great,” Bowa said.
Manager Jim Frey implemented a unique training regimen, demanding Sandberg hit ball after ball over the left-field tarp. “Ryno would be out there at 9 a.m. [Manager] Jim Frey would tell him [to] hit every ball over the tarp and into the seats down the left-field line in foul territory. Hit it with authority over that tarp. Ryno looked at him like he was crazy. ‘I want every ball with authority over that tarp,’ Frey kept telling him. He did it for a week straight. That’s how he learned how to pull the ball,” Bowa explained. This dedication ultimately unlocked Sandberg’s potential.
The 1984 MVP Season and “The Sandberg Game”
Sandberg’s breakthrough came in 1984, culminating in a National League MVP award. He hit .314 with 19 home runs, 19 triples, and 32 stolen bases, leading the Cubs to their first postseason appearance in 39 years. His close friend and teammate, Bobby Dernier, described his consistency as “ungodly.” “And the style of game back then demanded a little bit of baserunning prowess and being capable of stealing bases and scoring a lot of runs. And so that was our style. He was tremendous,” Dernier said.
That season was punctuated by a legendary game against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 23, forever known as “The Sandberg Game.” He hit two game-tying home runs off Hall of Fame closer Bruce Sutter in the ninth and 10th innings before the Cubs ultimately won in the 11th. “After he tied it up, I ended up hitting the ball off the wall, but if mine goes out, it’s probably never called the Sandberg game,” outfielder Gary Matthews joked, acknowledging Sandberg’s pivotal role. “He was great at everything that he did. I hit behind him and he was always on base.”
A Unique Power Hitter and Defensive Maestro
Sandberg redefined the second baseman position, hitting 282 career home runs – a remarkable feat for a player at his position during that era. He possessed a unique swing, perfectly suited for Wrigley Field. Hall of Famer John Smoltz recalled facing Sandberg, noting, “He had a perfect swing for his home ballpark. He had a flatter swing that worked great for the angles at Wrigley Field, especially when the wind was blowing in.” Smoltz even remembered giving up two home runs to Sandberg in a single game, a performance that followed him at a card show.
Beyond his offensive prowess, Sandberg was a defensive stalwart, winning nine consecutive Gold Glove awards and achieving a 123-game errorless streak. “I used to tell Joe Morgan, ‘This guy doesn’t have to take a second seat to anybody on defense,'” Matthews said.
Beyond the Diamond: A Quiet Leader and Prankster
Sandberg’s impact extended beyond his statistics. Those who knew him best described a man of quiet dignity and unwavering mental toughness. “He’s an outstanding human being,” Bowa said. “That’s what I think of. Such a good family guy. His mental toughness is off the charts. Don’t let people deceive you by that little laugh he has all the time. He wanted to win as much as anybody. I’ve been around Pete Rose, and Ryno is right there.” Smoltz added, “He’s in a class by himself. You would never know he was one of the greatest players ever, just by the way he carried himself and the ‘aw, shucks’ type attitude.”
However, teammates also recalled a playful side. “We had those chairs directors they use making movies, held together by sticks,” Matthews said. “Ryno would always take the sticks out, put the seat back in, and daily I’d fall to the ground. He’d be over there snickering or walking away.” Despite the pranks, the two often golfed together, with Sandberg always pushing Matthews to improve. “Oh, man, I loved Ryno, but he’s lucky he was that good at baseball,” Matthews said with a laugh.
A Lasting Legacy of Impact and Inspiration
After his playing career, Sandberg managed the Philadelphia Phillies from 2013 to 2015 and continued to contribute to the Cubs as a spring training instructor, mentoring a new generation of players. Current Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner appreciated Sandberg’s humility and willingness to share his knowledge. “I just think it’s cool that he’s somebody that has kind of done everything in our sport but still doesn’t approach the game with any kind of ego,” Hoerner said.
Shortstop Dansby Swanson echoed this sentiment, describing Sandberg as “just such a top-shelf human being.” Rookie third baseman Matt Shaw recalled Sandberg’s advice about perseverance, saying, “When he first came up, he struggled a little bit early on and he was like, ‘No matter what happens, you just got to keep believing in yourself and keep going.’ And I definitely take that to heart.”
Ryne Sandberg’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive statistics and accolades. He will be remembered as a gifted athlete, a dedicated teammate, and a man of integrity who left an indelible mark on the game of baseball and the city of Chicago. His impact will continue to inspire players and fans for generations to come.
