Major League Baseball and the Chicago Cubs announced the passing of Ryne Sandberg, a Hall of Famer, on Monday at the age of 65. Sandberg had revealed in January 2024 that he was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. Over his 16-season career in Major League Baseball, Sandberg played for both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs, garnering recognition as a 10-time All-Star, a one-time Most Valuable Player, and receiving awards as a nine-time Gold Glove winner and a seven-time Silver Slugger.

Throughout his illustrious career, Sandberg distinguished himself by leading the National League in various statistical categories. Notably, he topped the league in runs scored on three occasions, hit 40 home runs in 1990, and excelled in wins above replacement in 1984 with a remarkable value of 8.5. That same year, which also marked his MVP season, he led all of baseball with 19 triples. In total, Sandberg finished his career with a .285 batting average, 282 home runs, 1,061 runs batted in, and 344 stolen bases. He is celebrated as one of the iconic figures in Cubs history and stands among the greatest second basemen in baseball lore.

Following the announcement of his passing, numerous tributes have poured in, reflecting on his impact and legacy. Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner remarked, 'The level of the consistency and the longevity that he exhibited is just incredible.' Hoerner emphasized Sandberg's unique ability to set his own standard, praising his comprehensive skill set on the field. Sandberg himself famously expressed his affection for Wrigley Field during his final season, stating, 'I truly lived my field of dreams right here at Wrigley Field,' during an address to Cubs fans on September 20, 1997, shortly before his retirement.