Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg announced Monday on Instagram that he has been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer and has begun treatment.
“To my Chicago Cubs, National Baseball Hall of Fame, extended Baseball Family, the city of Chicago, and all my loyal fans, I want to share some personal news,” the post began, going on to reveal that he received the diagnosis last week. “I am surrounded by my loving wife Margaret, our incredibly supportive family, the best medical care team, and our dear friends.
“We will continue to be positive, strong, and fight to beat this. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time for me and my family.”
An outpouring of support followed. The National Baseball Hall of Fame chimed in with a statement from Jane Forbes Clark, the chairwoman of the board of directors.
“The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s Board of Directors and Staff have Ryne Sandberg and his wonderful family in our thoughts,” Clark said in the statement. “Part of what made Ryne a tremendous talent on the field was his quiet intensity, and we have no doubt he’ll bring the same tenacity to this fight.
“During this difficult tine, we join Cubs fans in Chicago, and baseball fans everywhere in sending love and support to Ryne and Margaret and the entire Sandberg family.”
Statement from Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman of the Board of Directors: pic.twitter.com/bDG0XWlVZN
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) January 22, 2024
Sandberg, 64, has remained connected to the Cubs’ organization long after his legendary playing career, which spanned from the early 1980s through the mid-90s. He debuted with the Phillies but spent every other major-league season as a Cub. Sandberg was a 10-time All-Star selection and won nine Gold Glove awards, seven Silver Sluggers and an MVP
After trying his hand at managing, at the helm for parts of three seasons with the Phillies in 2013-15, Sandberg returned to the Cubs as an ambassador. Over the years, he has continued to interact with players and fans at spring training and the Cubs Convention.
The Cubs are set to unveil a statue of Sandberg outside of Wrigley Field this year, joining fellow Hall of Famers Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Billy Williams and Fergie Jenkins on “Statue Row.”
