Major League Baseball and the Chicago Cubs have announced the passing of Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg on Monday at the age of 65. In January 2024, Sandberg revealed that he had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, prompting an outpouring of support from fans and the baseball community.

Over the course of his 16-season career, Sandberg played for both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs. He earned accolades as a 10-time All-Star, was named the Most Valuable Player in 1984, and received nine Gold Glove Awards and seven Silver Slugger Awards. Sandberg distinguished himself in 1984 by leading the National League in wins above replacement with a figure of 8.5, in addition to topping the league in triples with 19. In 1990, he led the National League in home runs, finishing the season with 40.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest second basemen in baseball history, Sandberg concluded his career with a .285 batting average, 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases. His legacy as an iconic player for the Cubs is further cemented by his heartfelt connection with the team and its fans. Reflecting on his time with the team, he stated on September 20, 1997, during his final season, 'I truly lived my field of dreams right here at Wrigley Field.' Following the announcement of his passing, many, including Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner, shared tributes, emphasizing Sandberg's impressive consistency and presence on the baseball diamond.