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Ryne Sandberg, Hall of Famer, Passes Away \ TezzBuzz \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Ryne Sandberg, legendary Cubs second baseman and Hall of Famer, died at 65 after battling cancer. Known for his power, speed, and leadership, Sandberg was a beloved MLB figure and 1984 NL MVP. Chicago and the baseball world mourn the loss of one of the game’s most respected players.

Quick Looks

• Ryne Sandberg, Hall of Fame second baseman, died at age 65 at home surrounded by family.
• He was battling metastatic prostate cancer, which returned in December 2024 after briefly going into remission.
• Sandberg’s career spanned 15 seasons with the Chicago Cubs, hitting .285 with 282 HRs and 344 SBs.
• Traded from the Phillies in 1982, his move to Chicago became one of MLB’s most lopsided trades.
• He was the 1984 NL MVP, batting .314 with 84 RBIs, 114 runs, and 19 triples.
• Notable moment: “The Sandberg Game” on June 23, 1984 — two clutch home runs vs. St. Louis.
• Earned 10 All-Star selections, nine Gold Gloves, and won the 1990 Home Run Derby.
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005, the Cubs retired his No. 23 that same year.
• Managed the Philadelphia Phillies from 2013–2015, with a 119–159 record.
• Chicago unveiled a statue of Sandberg at Wrigley Field on June 23, 2024.
• Cubs exec Jed Hoyer called him a “superhero in this city,” likening him to Jordan and Payton.
• Sandberg’s humility, grit, and love for the game made him an enduring figure in Cubs history.

Deep Look

Ryne Sandberga baseball icon whose skill, character, and humility defined an era of Chicago Cubs baseball, passed away on Monday at age 65surrounded by family at his home. His death follows a public battle with metastatic prostate cancerwhich he courageously fought for over a year.

A January 2024 diagnosis marked the beginning of a turbulent medical journey. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, Sandberg announced in August that he was cancer-free. However, by December, he revealed on Instagram that the cancer had returned and spread to other organs. Despite the grim prognosis, Sandberg remained hopeful and focused on time with loved ones.

Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts honored him as “one of the all-time greats” in the franchise’s storied history. “His grit, hustle, and unrelenting integrity were hallmarks of a career that left a lasting imprint on the game,” Ricketts said.

From 20th-Round Pick to Hall of Fame Second Baseman

Born in Spokane, WashingtonSandberg was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 20th round of the 1978 MLB draft. After a short stint with the Phillies in 1981, he was traded to Chicago in January 1982 along with Larry Bowa for Ivan Of Jesus — a trade that would become one of the most lopsided in baseball history.

In his 15-year Cubs careerSandberg compiled a .285 batting average, 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIsand 344 stolen bases. He became one of the best all-around players of his era, combining power, speed, defense, and leadership in rare balance.

He was a 10-time All-Starwon nine Gold Glovesand famously claimed the 1990 Home Run Derby title. His 1984 MVP season included a .314 batting average, 19 homers, 84 RBIs, 32 stolen bases, and 114 runs scored. That year’s NL East title led to a playoff berth, though the Cubs fell short against the Padres in the NLCS.

The Sandberg Game and Lasting Legacy

Cubs fans will never forget “The Sandberg Game”a 1984 extra-inning thriller against the Cardinals, in which he homered twice and drove in seven runs, elevating his reputation as a clutch performer. On June 23, 2024the Cubs commemorated that moment with a statue unveiling outside Wrigley Fieldimmortalizing the second baseman who came to symbolize the heart and soul of the franchise.

Though the Cubs only made two playoff appearances during his tenure, Sandberg remained a cornerstone in team history. He returned to the spotlight in 1989 with a 30-home run season and hit .400 in that year’s NLCS against the Giants.

He posted career highs in home runs (40) and RBIs (100) in 1990 and 1991, before retiring in 1997.

Sandberg entered the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005earning 76.2% of the vote in his third year of eligibility. That same year, the Cubs retired his No. 23raising it into the rafters at Wrigley Field.

A Humble Hero and Baseball Ambassador

He briefly managed the Philadelphia Phillies from 2013 to 2015, stepping into the role after Charlie Manuel’s departure. Though his tenure ended amid a rebuilding phase, Sandberg’s baseball intellect and composure were evident. He finished with a managerial record of 119–159.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised him as “a five-tool player who excelled in every facet of the game thanks to his power, speed, and work ethic.”

To Cubs fans, Sandberg was more than just a star. He was a model of professionalism, graceand sportsmanship. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer reflected on Sandberg’s impact, comparing his fame and civic role to fellow Chicago legends Michael Jordan and Walter Payton.

“He was a superhero in this city,” Hoyer said.

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