Matt Higgins
The baseball world is mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, who died Monday at the age of 65 after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Sandberg, who was traded by the Philadelphia Phillies to the Chicago Cubs in January 1982, was a 10-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove winner and the 1984 National League MVP during his 15 seasons on the North Side. He announced his cancer diagnosis in January 2024.
After his playing career, Sandberg managed in the minor leagues for both the Cubs and Phillies organizations before becoming Philadelphia’s manager in 2013, going 119-159 in parts of three seasons.
“Ryne Sandberg had a relentless work ethic and an unshakable positive outlook. With it, he inspired all those who knew him,” said Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “He always emphasized his respect for the way the game should be played, for his teammates and for the Hall of Fame, especially during his 2005 Induction speech. We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Margaret, and his family, as we remember and celebrate his life.”
Tributes poured in across social media for the player affectionately known as “Ryno” following the announcement of his death.
Sad news to report tonight: Cubs Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg has passed away after a long battle with cancer. Sandberg, 65, was a kind, gracious star. One of those guys no one had a bad thing to say about. RIP
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) July 29, 2025
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg.
— MLB (@MLB) July 29, 2025
The beloved Cubs second baseman was a five-tool model of consistency in the 1980s and early ’90s, making 10 consecutive All-Star teams and winning 9 straight Gold Glove awards.
On June 23, 1984, a national TV… pic.twitter.com/KuCazvlnj2
With great sadness, we share that Ryne Sandberg has passed away today. pic.twitter.com/LJJ0jGqSy5
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 29, 2025
God bless Ryne Sandberg. Growing up playing second base, he was my favorite baseball player and I wanted to be just like him all the way down to the same model Rawlings glove. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and everyone he positively impacted. https://t.co/ws86bWcwHh
— K.C. Douglas (@kc_douglas) July 29, 2025
RIP Ryne Sandberg. My childhood is taking a beating over the past week. #Cubs God bless his family and friends
— Brian Mazique (@UniqueMazique) July 29, 2025
We are devastated to learn Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg has died.
— CHGO Cubs (@CHGO_Cubs) July 29, 2025
Sandberg was 65.
We love you, Ryno. pic.twitter.com/1WpbXMefq0
Just heard that the great Ryne Sandberg has passed so I want to share a quick story about him.
— Joey Swoll (@TheJoeySwoll) July 29, 2025
When I was 19 I worked at the Guess store in downtown Chicago on The Magnificent Mile. One day Ryne Sandberg brought his daughter in to shop for back to school college clothes. Being a…
RIP Ryne Sandberg, the Hall of Famer the Phillies drafted, then traded, and later returned to manage them. A gentleman and one of the all-time greats. https://t.co/e8su6vkWnn
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) July 29, 2025
Sandberg is survived by his wife, Margaret, his five children, B.R., Adriane, Lindsey, Justin, and Steven, and eight grandchildren.
