Ryne Sandberg: Remembering My Final 24 Hours – Legacy, Battle & Farewell
By Ryne Sandberg | Reflecting on July 28–29, 2025
Introduction
In the last day of my life, the world reacted—but I had been preparing. As of the evening of **July 28, 2025**, I peacefully passed away at age 65 after a nearly 18-month fight with metastatic prostate cancer. Surrounded by family, I reflected on a life built on integrity, grit, and love—for the game of baseball, my wife Margaret, our children and grandchildren.
The Final Journey & Health Battle
Recent Health Update
I was first diagnosed in **January 2024**. By **August 2024**, I experienced remission. Unfortunately later that year, the cancer recurred and spread to other organs, becoming metastatic and more aggressive 1. In my last social media message, I wrote: “While I am continuing to fight, I am looking forward to making the most of every day…” just days before my passing 2.
Passing & Family Farewell
On **July 28, 2025**, I passed peacefully at home with my wife Margaret and children at my side 3. In a heart‑breaking family statement: “Ryne will forever be in our hearts.” Numerous fans shared tributes at my statue outside Wrigley Field on Gallagher Way 4.
Tributes & Public Reaction
MLB & Cubs Honors
Major League Baseball and Cubs leadership paid tribute. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred called me a “five‑tool player” and praised my work ethic and character. Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts described me as “a hero to a generation of Cubs fans” whose integrity and hustle defined my legacy 5.
Memories from Teammates and Opponents
Former teammates and rivals shared stories—Larry Bowa recalled my relentless work ethic, saying I’d “hit every ball over the tarp” until I pulled it off. Bob Dernier and Gary Matthews recounted our chemistry as the “Daily Double.” Even opponents like John Smoltz marveled at my power and consistency, calling me “in a class by myself” 6.
Career Highlights & Legacy
Baseball Achievements
Over 16 MLB seasons—15 with the Cubs—I compiled a career batting average of **.285**, hit **282 home runs**, and stole **344 bases**, with **1,061 RBIs** over 2,164 games 7. I was a **10-time All-Star**, **nine-time Gold Glove** winner, **seven-time Silver Slugger**, and **1984 NL MVP**. In 1990, I won the Home Run Derby at Wrigley Field. My No. 23 jersey was retired by the Cubs, and I was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 8.
The Sandberg Game & Statue Tribute
June 23, 1984 marked the legendary “Sandberg Game,” where I hit game‑tying home runs in the ninth and tenth innings off Bruce Sutter, leading the Cubs to a thrilling 12‑11 win in 11 innings—a turning point in my career and in Cubs history 9. In **June 2024**, a bronze statue was dedicated outside Wrigley Field at Gallagher Way, commemorating both that moment and my career overall 10.
My Voice: Reflecting in the Final Hours (H4)
I often said that baseball doesn’t define me—it revealed me. Working hard, leading by example, treating everyone with respect. In those final days, I looked back at every stadium, every teammate, every fan who believed in me. I hoped for peace and gratitude rather than regrets. My wish: that my legacy be more than stats—a symbol of humility, character, and joy in the game.
Health Awareness: Prostate Cancer Lessons
Understanding Metastatic Prostate Cancer
My battle highlights how prostate cancer, when undetected early, can progress quietly and aggressively once it spreads. Symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and pain often emerge late—and treatment thereafter is palliative rather than curative 11. Awareness and early screening remain critical.
Conclusion
On July 28, 2025, I left the field one more time. But my life was richer than any statistical line. In the end, legacy isn’t about numbers—it’s about the values you bring: effort, integrity, humility, and love for those who stood beside you. Thank you, Cubs family, baseball fans, and loved ones—Ryno will forever be in your hearts.
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