CHICAGO — Former President Barack Obama honored Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, after the Hall of Fame second baseman died at 65 from metastatic prostate cancer. Obama, posting on X, praised Sandberg’s skill and character, calling him a “class act who never cheated the game.” He noted that even Chicago White Sox fans would deeply miss the beloved icon.
Sandberg, a 10-time All-Star, died Monday at his home, surrounded by family, the Cubs announced. He revealed his cancer diagnosis in January 2024, declared himself cancer-free in August, but shared on Instagram in December that the disease had returned and spread. Despite intensive treatment, Sandberg succumbed, leaving a legacy as one of baseball’s greatest infielders.
“Ryne Sandberg was a hero to a generation of Cubs fans and will be remembered as one of the all-time greats in nearly 150 years of this historic franchise,” Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said.
Born Sept. 18, 1959, in Spokane, Washington, Sandberg redefined second base with his blend of power, speed, and defense. Over 16 major league seasons, primarily with the Cubs, he batted .285, amassing 2,386 hits, 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases. He won the 1984 National League MVP award, hitting .314 with 19 triples, 19 homers, 84 RBIs, and 32 steals. Sandberg earned nine consecutive Gold Gloves, seven Silver Sluggers, and led the NL with 40 homers in 1990. His 277 home runs as a second baseman were a record at retirement.
The 1984 season featured “The Sandberg Game,” where he homered twice and drove in seven runs in a 12-11 win over St. Louis on June 23. The Cubs unveiled a statue honoring him outside Wrigley Field on the same date in 2024. “Ryno was a great teammate and a mentor off the field,” Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux said.
Sandberg led the Cubs to NL East titles in 1984 and 1989, batting .400 in the 1989 NLCS, though they fell to San Francisco. He never reached the postseason again but was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005 with 76.2% of the vote. The Cubs retired his No. 23 that year.
After retiring in 1997, Sandberg managed in the minors for the Cubs and Phillies. He served as Philadelphia’s interim manager in 2013, later managing full-time in 2014, and resigned in 2015 with a 119-159 record.
“Ryne Sandberg had a relentless work ethic and unshakable positive outlook,” Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark said. “We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Margaret, and his family.”
Sandberg’s grace and grit endeared him to fans. Obama’s tribute echoed Chicago’s sentiment: Sandberg’s impact transcended baseball, embodying integrity and excellence.
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