Skip to main content

Cubs Great Ryne Sandberg Announces He’s Battling Cancer

Former Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg announced on Monday that he is battling prostate cancer.

The National Baseball Hall of Famer posted a message to his fans on Instagram, along with a picture of him and his wife, a picture with his family sporting “Ryno” hats and one picture during his treatment.

“Last week, I learned that I have been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer,” Sandberg wrote. “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.”

Sandberg played his first MLB season in 1981 with the Philadelphia Phillies, but then played the rest of his career with the Cubs. He was named the National League MVP in 1984. During his career, he also earned 10 All-Star bids, nine Golden Glove awards and seven Silver Slugger awards.

His No. 23 jersey is one of seven Cubs jerseys retired.