Ryne Sandberg Health Update: Cubs Legend Faces New Cancer Battle

#23 RETIRED

Legendary Cubs Infielder Faces Renewed Health Battle

Ryne Dee Sandberg (born September 18, 1959) is an American former professional baseball player, coach, and manager. He spent 15 of his 16 MLB seasons with the Chicago Cubs, establishing himself as one of the greatest second basemen in baseball history. A 10-time All-Star and 9-time Gold Glove winner, Sandberg was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.

Career: 1981-1997 Hall of Fame: 2005 #23 Retired

Health Update: Cancer Relapse

"I want to share an update on my prostate cancer. Unfortunately we recently learned the cancer has relapsed and it has spread to other organs. This means that I'm back to more intensive treatment. We will continue to be positive, strong, and fight to beat this."

- Ryne Sandberg, December 2024 [10](@ref)

Cancer Timeline

January 2024

Initially diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer [10](@ref)

August 2024

Received cancer-free clearance after chemotherapy and radiation treatments [10](@ref)

December 2024

Announced cancer relapse with spread to other organs, beginning intensive treatment [10](@ref)

Current Status

Currently undergoing intensive treatment for metastatic prostate cancer
Cancer has spread beyond prostate to other organs
Maintaining positive attitude and determination to fight
Receiving widespread support from baseball community

Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts:

"Ryne is an inspiration to cancer survivors everywhere... sending positive thoughts to Ryne and keeping him and his family in our prayers" [10](@ref)

Legendary Baseball Career

Career Overview

MLB Seasons: 16 (1981-1997) [9](@ref)
Primary Team: Chicago Cubs (15 seasons) [10](@ref)
Position: Second Baseman / Third Baseman [9](@ref)
Drafted: Philadelphia Phillies (20th Round, 1978) [9](@ref)
Nickname: "Ryno" [4](@ref)

Iconic Achievements

1984 National League MVP [9](@ref)
10-time consecutive All-Star (1984-1993) [10](@ref)
9-time Gold Glove Award winner [10](@ref)
7-time Silver Slugger Award winner [10](@ref)
1990: Led National League with 40 home runs [2](@ref)
Set MLB record with 123 consecutive errorless games at second base (1990) [4](@ref)

Career Statistics

.285

Batting Average

282

Home Runs

1061

Runs Batted In

2386

Hits

344

Stolen Bases

.989

Fielding %

Legacy & Recognition

Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame (2005) [9](@ref)
#23 jersey retired by Chicago Cubs [9](@ref)
Inspired video game character "RYNO" in arcade classic Baseball Ninja [4](@ref)
Managed Philadelphia Phillies (2013-2015) [9](@ref)
Regular presence at Cubs conventions and events [9](@ref)

Ryne Sandberg