Chicago Cubs legend and Hall of Famer, Ryne Sandberg, has announced that he has been diagnosed with cancer. The announcement was made by Sandberg on his own personal Instagram page as he thanked many people with whom he has been associated.
In the post, Sandberg told his fans that he was diagnosed just last week with metastatic prostate cancer and that he has already begun treatment. He asked for prayers and well wishes as he is set to go through this battle, but little other details were provided.
After the Instagram post was made public, the Chicago Cubs released a statement offering their support for the Cubs legend. It’s unclear what the prognosis for Sandberg is, but his Instagram post included a picture of him in the hospital.
A True Cubs Legend
The Chicago Cubs are one of the most historic franchises in all of MLB, and it’s an organization that continues to honor its legends. Sandberg was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame back in 2005, and he used that speech to campaign for former teammate, Andre “The Hawk” Dawson.
There have been some bad trades throughout Cubs history, but getting Sandberg on their roster was one of the best moves ever made. Ryne Sandberg won the National League MVP Award in 1984, guiding the Cubs to a division title that season.
During that season, Sandberg led the league with triples and also belted 19 home runs in the MLB player stats. He continued to work on his power at the plate throughout his career and ended up hitting 40 home runs during the 1990 season.
He is credited with helping transform the position as MLB teams started to look for second basemen who could slug and also play great defense. Not only was he a threat in the middle of the lineup, but he won nine straight Gold Glove Awards.
The team is planning to unveil a statue of Sandberg in front of historic Wrigley Field on June 23rd of this year. That is the 40th anniversary of his most memorable moment with the team during his career.
Sandberg belted a pair of late home runs during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1984 in what is known as “The Sandberg Game.” The hope is that Sandberg will be able to attend this game to celebrate the honor in person.
Once a Manager
There was once a time when it looked as if Ryne Sandberg would eventually become the manager of the Chicago Cubs and he spent time coaching in their organization. Some of his best work came with the Peoria Chiefs, which were a High-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
Sandberg spent time working with several players that ended up getting to the Major Leagues, and Peoria was a popular spot for rehab assignments for MLB players. The Chiefs are no longer associated with the Cubs as the team now has a contract with South Bend.
The Cubs have continued to use Sandberg in various roles with the team, and he is a prominent fixture at the Spring Training facility each year. He continues to serve in a role as ambassador for the team, and he also works on some pre and post-game shows.
It’s unclear if Sandberg will be able to continue his role as team ambassador during this battle with cancer, but the Cubs are not going to keep him away. He has been working with infielders of the Cubs, and is credited with helping the franchise develop one of the best minor league systems in all of baseball.
He did eventually become the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, going 119-159 during three years from 2013-2015. His managerial days are now over, but he was once on a path that looked like it would have him in the dugout at Wrigley Field in that role.
Earlier today, Ryne Sandberg announced he is beginning treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. pic.twitter.com/F1ChNJod5z
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 22, 2024
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