Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg is dead at 65.
The Chicago Cubs star’s family posted notice of his death on Instagram Monday night.
“It is with heavy hearts we announce that Ryne passed away tonight in the comfort of his home,” Sandberg’s loved ones wrote, adding his wife, five children and several grandkids were with him.
Sandberg announced he was being treated for prostate cancer in January 2024 and gave fans often optimistic updates about his health. On July 16 he confessed that health challenges stopped him from getting to Wrigley Field to see his old team play, but liked what he was seeing from his very competitive ballclub.
Sandberg, known to fans as Ryno, was on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day at Wrigley Field in April.
His teammates will wear a patch honoring the 10-time All Star for the remainder of the season. A statue of the Gold Glove infielder was unveiled outside Wrigley Field in June 2024. Sandberg spent 15 years with the Cubs before retiring in 1997.
Even the Cubs’ crosstown rival Chicago White Sox expressed their condolences when the North Siders announced Sandberg’s death on X.
“We are so sorry for your loss,” the team from the South Side said.
Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts called Sandberg “a hero to a generation of Chicago Cubs fans” who’ll be remembered among the storied franchise’s elite.
Sandberg started his career with Philadelphia Phillies, but was traded during his rookie season. He returned to the Phillies as the team’s manager from 2013 to 2015.
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