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The baseball world is mourning the death of Hall of Fame second baseman and Cubs great Ryne Sandberg.
Sandberg, who also managed the Phillies from 2013-15, died Monday after battling serious health issues.
He was 65 years old.
With great sadness, we share that Ryne Sandberg has passed away today. pic.twitter.com/LJJ0jGqSy5
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 29, 2025Nicknamed "Ryno," Sandberg came up through the minor leagues with the Phillies but was traded to the Cubs along with Larry Bowa just as he was breaking into the majors after the 1981 season. Sandberg broke out in 1984, earning his first of 10 consecutive All-Star selections. Sandberg was also a nine-time Gold Glove winner and earned MVP honors in 1984, just after he turned 25.
While Sandberg's Cubs never broke their World Series drought during his 16 years with the organization, he established himself as one of the most beloved players in franchise history and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, his third year of eligibility.
Here's what you need to know about Sandberg's death and how the Cubs are paying tribute to him.
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How did Ryne Sandberg die?
Sandberg battled prostate cancer before his death. In his most recent update, he said he was continuing to fight the disease but was prioritizing "making the most of every day" with his family and friends.
Despite being declared cancer-free in August 2024, Sandberg's cancer returned within months and spread to other organs, signaling that he was going to be in a fight for his life.
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Ryne Sandberg cancer battle
Sandberg first announced in January 2024 that he was battling metastatic prostate cancer, meaning the cancer had spread elsewhere. He was declared cancer-free in August 2024 but announced in December that the disease had returned aggressively and spread to other organs.
While Sandberg was able to appear at Wrigley Field at the Cubs' home opener, throwing out the first pitch, he wrote in his most recent update that he had not been able to make it to the stadium as much as he had hoped as he continued treatment for cancer.
Cubs president Jed Hoyer was among those who paid tribute to Sandberg as he fought cancer, calling the Hall of Famer a Chicago "superhero." Jon Lester and Kerry Wood sported Sandberg jerseys at Wrigley Field the same day.
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) July 20, 2025MORE: Complete list of every MLB All-Star Game MVP by year
Ryne Sandberg tributes
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg.
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
The Hall of Fame remembers Class of 2005 inductee Ryne Sandberg, who passed away Monday at the age of 65. https://t.co/H32KADOHTo pic.twitter.com/4XpJRx356W
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) July 29, 2025Sad 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, 2025Commissioner Rob Manfred and Hall of Fame chairman Jane Forbes Clark remember Ryne Sandberg: pic.twitter.com/qnirUSpSIQ
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 29, 2025I snapped this photo of the great Ryne Sandberg from the Wrigley press box in 2016. The Cubs had just won a World Series game. pic.twitter.com/y9lU2iFEMa
— Benjamin Hochman (@hochman) July 29, 2025Ryne Sandberg stats
Sandberg wasn't much of a power hitter in his early seasons but hit 26 home runs in 1985 and set new career-highs with 30 in 1989 and 40 in 1990. He finished his career with 282 home runs, which currently ranks fifth in Cubs history, and his 2,385 hits with Chicago rank fourth in franchise history.
A contact hitter who didn't value home runs first, Sandberg hit at least .300 in five different seasons.
| Season | Team | Games | AVG | HR | RBI | Hits | OPS |
| 1981 | Phillies | 13 | .167 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .333 |
| 1982 | Cubs | 156 | .271 | 7 | 54 | 172 | .683 |
| 1983 | Cubs | 158 | .261 | 8 | 48 | 165 | .667 |
| 1984 | Cubs | 156 | .314 | 19 | 84 | 200 | .887 |
| 1985 | Cubs | 153 | .305 | 26 | 83 | 186 | .868 |
| 1986 | Cubs | 154 | .284 | 14 | 76 | 178 | .741 |
| 1987 | Cubs | 132 | .294 | 16 | 59 | 154 | .809 |
| 1988 | Cubs | 155 | .264 | 19 | 69 | 163 | .741 |
| 1989 | Cubs | 157 | .290 | 30 | 76 | 176 | .853 |
| 1990 | Cubs | 155 | .306 | 40 | 100 | 188 | .913 |
| 1991 | Cubs | 158 | .291 | 26 | 100 | 170 | .865 |
| 1992 | Cubs | 158 | .304 | 26 | 87 | 186 | .881 |
| 1993 | Cubs | 117 | .309 | 9 | 45 | 141 | .772 |
| 1994 | Cubs | 57 | .238 | 5 | 24 | 53 | .702 |
| 1996 | Cubs | 150 | .244 | 25 | 92 | 135 | .760 |
| 1997 | Cubs | 135 | .264 | 12 | 64 | 118 | .711 |
| Career | 2,164 | .285 | 282 | 1,061 | 2,386 | .795 |
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