The baseball world received tough news about one of its Hall of Famers.
In Janaury, dormer Cubs infielder Ryne Sandberg announced that he had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in a post on his personal Instagram. In December, he made another announcement that the cancer had relapsed and he was going back into treatment.
Sandberg, affectionately known by fans as "Ryno", was a 10-time All-Star and won nine consecutive Golden Gloves for his defensive efforts. After playing 13 games with the Phillies to open his career, he was traded to the Cubs and spent 15 seasons at Wrigley Field from 1982-94 and '96-97. While there, he totaled 282 home runs and 344 stolen bases.
He won the National League MVP in 1984 after leading the MLB in triples and runs scored that season, batting .314 with 19 home runs in the process.
"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," Sandberg said in his Instagram post at the time of his initial diagnosis. "Last week, I learned that I have been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. I have begun treatment, and 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."
Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg shared that his prostate cancer has relapsed and spread to other organs, and he will be undergoing more intensive treatment: pic.twitter.com/BDqYjHKnVO
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) December 10, 2024
The announcement came about five months before a scheduled ceremony for Sandberg in Chicago. The Cubs unveiled a statue of Sandberg outside of Wrigley Field on June 23. The date held a special meaning to Sandberg and the club, as it is the 40th anniversary of when the former infielder hit game-tying home runs in the bottom of the ninth and 10th innings against the Cardinals, accumulating seven RBIs in Chicago's 11-inning, 12-11 victory.
He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. Shortly after, he started his managerial career, which included a three-year stint as the manager of the Phillies from '13-15.
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Ryne Sandberg cancer diagnosis
Sandberg announced on Jan. 22 that he had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. He began treatment for the disease.
Since the news went public, there has been an outpouring of support from Cubs fans and the Windy City.
"We cannot imagine how incredibly tough it is right now for Ryne and his family, but we do know Ryne is one tough competitor and a winner," Cubs senior vice president Julian Green said to ESPN. "We are rallying around his family with locked arms as they begin their journey to conquer this battle with cancer."
Multiple members of the baseball world also posted heartfelt messages in support of Sandberg in the wake of the unfortunate news in January.
Sending strength to the Hall of Famer and iconic Cubs second baseman. We stand with Ryne, his wife, Margaret, and the Sandberg family during this challenging time. https://t.co/BZ7RqB7aVZ
— MLBPA (@MLBPA) January 22, 2024
We're with you, Ryno. 💙 pic.twitter.com/JmJLoXTTl1
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) January 22, 2024
Sending all our love to Ryne Sandberg, Margaret, and their beautiful family.
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) January 22, 2024
Ryno is the most humble superstar I ever covered, and getting to know him and Margaret over the years has been a joy for @StacyGSG and me.
You’ve got this, Ryno. We’re all with you. pic.twitter.com/el0UPkauuY
Get better, Ryno.
— Ryan Fagan (@ryanfagan) January 22, 2024
Maybe the coolest things about being in the clubhouse right after the Cubs won the 2016 World Series was seeing the smile on Ryne Sandberg's face during the celebration.
And that led to this interaction a few years later (thread) ...https://t.co/mEsNaEBHLn https://t.co/0MA4vkKTmv pic.twitter.com/GCiVTtE8NO
Sending blessing and positive energy to Ryne Sandberg and his family and these difficult times! 🙏 #Bendiciones https://t.co/yZZ3xN69V7
— Omar Vizquel (@VizquelOmar13) January 22, 2024
In addition, Cubs players, such as Jason Heyward, Dexter Fowler, and Jason Grimm, all posted thoughtful messages on Sandberg's original post, sending their best wishes to him and his family.
How old is Ryne Sandberg?
Sandberg is 65. He was born on Sept. 18, 1959.
What is metastatic prostate cancer?
According to Cancer Research UK, metastatic prostate cancer is a cancer that "has spread from the prostate to other parts of the body." It is also sometimes referred to as advanced prostate cancer.
The cancer first typically spreads from the prostate into nearby lymph nodes, which also is a signal that it could extend to other parts of the body, such as bones, lungs, and liver.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation states that men diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer "will often not undergo local treatments of the primary prostate tumor, such as surgery or radiation. Instead, their therapeutic journey might start with hormone therapy, and from there follow a similar path as men who were diagnosed at an earlier stage and had subsequent disease progression."
