Remembering Ryne Sandberg—A Cubs Legend and Baseball Icon
Hey everyone, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the life and legacy of Ryne Sandberg, who passed away on July 28, 2025, at the age of 65. For anyone who loves baseball—especially Cubs fans—this is a name that carries so much meaning, pride, and respect.
Sandberg, or simply "Ryno" to a whole generation, wasn’t just a great ballplayer—he was the heart of Chicago baseball through the 1980s and into the '90s. Born in Spokane, Washington, and named after Yankees reliever Ryne Duren, he was originally drafted by the Phillies in the 20th round of the 1978 MLB Draft. But it was a trade to the Cubs in 1982—a deal that many now call one of the most lopsided in baseball history—that changed everything.
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At the time, he was considered just a minor leaguer thrown into the mix. But by 1984, he had become a force—winning the National League MVP while leading the Cubs to their first postseason in nearly 40 years. That year, he batted .314 with 200 hits, 19 home runs, 84 RBIs, and 32 steals. And who could forget the game that defined him—June 23, 1984—when he hit two dramatic home runs off Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter in a legendary win against the Cardinals? That day would forever be remembered as "The Sandberg Game."
He won nine Gold Gloves, seven Silver Sluggers, made 10 All-Star teams, and retired with the most home runs by a second baseman at the time. With his quiet leadership, gritty work ethic, and respect for the game, Sandberg embodied what baseball is supposed to be about. Whether it was his 40-homer season in 1990 or his return from retirement in 1996, he showed up with class and consistency.
Off the field, he later managed in both the Cubs and Phillies organizations and remained involved in the game. Even while battling cancer—first diagnosed in early 2024—he stayed connected to the Cubs, sharing moments with the team during spring training just months before his passing. His resilience through illness, his grace in the face of it all, truly reflected the same character that made him so beloved during his playing days.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005 and had his No. 23 jersey retired by the Cubs that same year. For fans, teammates, and even opposing players, Sandberg wasn't just a great second baseman—he was a symbol of dedication, humility, and the spirit of the game.
Ryne Sandberg’s passing is a deep loss—not just for Chicago, but for the entire baseball world. But what he left behind is something far greater: a legacy that will be cherished for generations.
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