Ryne Sandberg, Hall of Fame second baseman and Chicago Cubs icon, has died at the age of 65. His family and the Cubs confirmed that he passed peacefully at home after a long battle with cancer.
Here’s what we know so far about Ryne Sandberg’s death.
Ryne Sandberg passes away at 65, claims report
Ryne Sandberg, Hall of Fame second baseman and longtime Chicago Cubs legend, died on Monday, July 28, 2025, at age 65. The Cubs confirmed Sandberg passed away at home, surrounded by family, following a battle with metastatic prostate cancer.
Sandberg first revealed his diagnosis in January 2024, underwent treatment, and announced he was cancer-free by August. However, the cancer returned and spread by December. Earlier this month, Sandberg said he was still fighting while cherishing time with loved ones. The Cubs will wear a commemorative jersey patch in his honor for the rest of the 2025 season.
The Philadelphia Phillies drafted Sandberg in 1978 after his birth in Spokane, Washington, on September 18, 1959. He debuted in 1981 and joined the Cubs following a trade before the 1982 season. Sandberg played 15 seasons with Chicago, batting .285 with 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases. He earned 10 All-Star selections, nine Gold Gloves, seven Silver Sluggers, and the 1984 National League MVP Award (via ESPN).
Sandberg’s breakout came in 1984, highlighted by the iconic “Sandberg Game” on June 23 against the Cardinals. He hit two game-tying home runs off Bruce Sutter and drove in seven runs. That year, he hit .314 and led the Cubs to their first postseason since 1945.
In 1990, Sandberg led the NL with 40 home runs, becoming the first second baseman to do so since 1925. He set MLB records for a .989 fielding percentage and 123 consecutive errorless games. The Cubs retired his No. 23 in 2005, the year he entered the Hall of Fame.
He managed the Phillies from 2013 to 2015 and spent over a decade as a Cubs ambassador. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, five children, and 11 grandchildren.
