Ryne Sandberg: A Baseball Icon Leaves an Unforgettable Legacy
The baseball world mourns the loss of legendary Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg, who passed away on Monday at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer. Sandberg, known for his power, speed, and defensive prowess, was the face of the Cubs for 15 seasons and an idol for sports fans. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2024, Sandberg remained connected to the Cubs until the 2025 preseason, demonstrating his characteristic combination of strength and elegance, both on and off the field. Amidst the mourning for this legend, figures close to Sandberg have shared valuable anecdotes that reveal his impact.After being traded from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Cubs in January 1982, Sandberg, with his unwavering work ethic, transformed from a rookie with little power in Philadelphia to a superstar in Chicago. His commitment to constant improvement was evident from the start. Bowa remembers the long hours that Sandberg dedicated to training, working tirelessly to perfect his game. Manager Jim Frey demanded that he hit the ball hard over the awning, an exercise that Sandberg dutifully fulfilled, thus developing his ability to bat with power. Sandberg’s consistency was key to his success. In 1984, he was named National League Most Valuable Player, after batting .314 with 19 home runs and 19 triples, stealing 32 bases and leading the Cubs to their first postseason appearance in 39 years. Bobby Dernier, teammate and close friend, highlighted Sandberg’s consistency, as well as his ability to steal bases and score runs. Sandberg left an indelible mark on baseball history with the iconic “Sandberg Game” on June 23, 1984, where he hit two home runs to tie the game against closer Bruce Sutter, before the Cubs won in the eleventh inning. Gary Matthews, another teammate, recalled his impact: “He was great at everything he did. I batted behind him and he was always on base.” Sandberg hit 282 home runs in his career, but his impact transcended offense. He won nine consecutive Gold Gloves and had a streak of 123 error-free games. Sandberg’s legacy extends beyond the field. His character and way of being were highly valued by those who knew him.“Ryno would be there at 9 a.m.”
Larry Bowa
John Smoltz, also inducted into the Hall of Fame, highlighted his humility and the integrity with which he represented the sport. Dernier described it as “joy” and fondly remembered its impact on the team. Inside the locker room, Sandberg was also known for his jokes and pranks. Matthews recalled his pranks with the manager’s chairs, and Bowa added that “he was very quiet with you (the media) but not with us”. After his playing career, Sandberg was manager of the Philadelphia Phillies from 2013 to 2015, before returning to Chicago, where he shared his wisdom with the new generations of Cubs. Nico Hoerner, current second baseman for the Cubs, highlighted his humility and his willingness to share his knowledge. Dansby Swanson emphasized his human quality: “An incredible human being and someone I am very grateful to have known.” Matt Shaw, a young player, remembered the importance of perseverance that Sandberg conveyed to him.“He’s an exceptional human being,” Bowa stated. “His mental fortitude is incredible.”
Larry Bowa
