Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg announced on Instagram that he has been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer.
Sandberg, who played 15 seasons for the Chicago Cubs, wrote on Monday: “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. 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.”
The Cubs said in a statement: “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. We are rallying around his family with locked arms as they begin their journey to conquer this battle with cancer.”
The 64-year-old Sandberg was a 10-time All-Star during his 15 seasons for the Cubs from 1982 to 1997, with a total of 282 home runs and 344 stolen bases. He later served as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies from 2013 to ’15, going 119-159, and has been a fixture for the Cubs at spring training and Wrigley Field, providing guidance for young infielders while being an ambassador for the team. He has appeared as a pregame and postgame analyst in various mediums as well.
Sandberg was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. He won the National League MVP in 1984, the same year the Cubs won a division title. Sandberg also led the league in triples and runs scored that season while hitting .314 with 19 home runs, and also won nine consecutive Gold Glove awards.
Editorial credit: Christopher Halloran / Shutterstock.com
