Remembering Ryno 1959-2025

By Shawn Lugo

For many, like me and my father, Sandberg wasn’t just the Cubs’ second baseman, he was the Cubs. That clean infield dirt after a double play, that smooth pivot, that clutch home run—it all felt a little more meaningful when it came from Ryno. He made the extraordinary look routine, and he did it with dignity.

It’s clear he wasn’t just your favorite player, he was a connection point between father and child, a shared hero, and a reminder of what baseball should be.

Ryne Sandberg's career wasn’t just stats and accolades; it was a centerpiece of childhoods like yours, shared with family, shaped by tradition, and filtered through the warm, nostalgic glow of summer afternoons on WGN. Harry Caray’s booming calls, Steve Stone’s insights, and Sandberg’s effortless grace at second base. It all formed a kind of magic that felt like it would never end.

Sandberg played 16 seasons in the majors 15 with the Chicago Cubs earning 10 All-Star selections, 9 Gold Gloves, 7 Silver Sluggers, and the 1984 NL MVP. But, more than any trophy case, it was the way he played the game that earned him your loyalty and admiration: steady, humble, and all heart.

Those “forever” summers, sitting with your dad, watching Ryno turn double plays or crush a clutch homer, are the kind of moments that stay with you long after the box scores fade. And though time flies, even our heroes have to step away from the game and the mark they leave endures.

This is what Ryne Sandberg meant to an entire generation of fans. He wasn’t just a great ballplayer; he represented something deeper: integrity, humility, and quiet excellence. The way he played, head down, glove ready, bat sharp, spoke louder than any trash talk or showboating ever could.

Ryne Dee Sandberg, born on September 18, 1959, in Spokane, Washington, was indeed a gifted multi-sport athlete during his high school years at North Central High School. Excelling in baseball, football, and basketball, he was particularly notable as a standout quarterback. His athleticism earned him a letter of intent to play football at Washington State University.

However, Sandberg's path took a turn toward professional baseball when the Philadelphia Phillies selected him in the 20th round of the 1978 MLB Draft. Despite being a relatively late pick, the Phillies saw potential in his athletic ability and versatility. Sandberg chose to pursue a professional baseball career, a decision that eventually led him to become one of the greatest second basemen in Major League Baseball history with the Chicago Cubs

Ryne Sandberg’s place in Cubs history isn’t just secure—it’s sacred.

When the Cubs retired his No. 23 jersey during a Wrigley Field ceremony before a game against the Marlins on 8/28/05 it wasn’t just a nod to his on-field success—it was a thank-you from a franchise and a fanbase that had grown up with him. Joining legends like Ernie Banks (14), Billy Williams (26), Ron Santo (10), and shared No. 31 with greats like Ferguson Jenkins and Greg Maddux, “Ryno” took his rightful place among the immortals at Wrigley.

His numbers alone are staggering:

403 doubles

344 stolen bases

2,385 hits

1,316 runs scored

761 extra-base hits

3,786 total bases

2,151 games played

And let's not forget the 282 career home runs, a record for a second baseman at the time of his retirement.

But what made Sandberg different wasn't just the stats—it was how he got there. With grit. With class. With a quiet consistency that made him a cornerstone for the Cubs and a role model for fans.

He wasn’t flashy, but he was fierce. A blue-collar superstar who showed up every day, played hard, and respected the game. His retired number isn’t just a tribute to great performances—it’s a symbol of how much he meant to Chicago and to the many fans, like you and I, who saw in him not just a ballplayer, but a hero. 

Ryne Sandberg’s 1984 season was a true breakout that not only defined his career but also helped reignite the Cubs franchise. That year, he batted a personal-best .314, reached the 200-hit mark for the only time in his career, led all of Major League Baseball with 19 triples, and topped the National League with 114 runs scored. He also added 19 home runs and 32 stolen bases, showcasing his rare combination of power and speed, while winning the second of his nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards. His performance earned him the National League Most Valuable Player Award in a landslide vote, finishing well ahead of Mets first baseman Keith Hernandez. 

A highlight of the season came in what became known as “The Sandberg Game” on June 23, when he hit two game-tying home runs off Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter in the 9th and 10th innings during a nationally televised game against the Cardinals. In 1984, Sandberg didn’t just emerge as one of the best all-around players in baseball—he became a symbol of hope and excellence for Cubs fans everywhere.

Ryno defined a generation and helped shape countless childhoods, forging a deep, lifelong loyalty among Cubs fans with the class, humility, and excellence that only a true hero could offer. On Monday, July 28, 2025, Ryne Sandberg lost his courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind an indelible mark on the game and on the hearts of those who grew up watching him. He was more than just a ballplayer—he was a symbol of what it meant to play the game the right way, to carry yourself with quiet strength, and to lead by example. His legacy lives on not only in the record books, but in the memories of warm summer afternoons, voices of Harry Caray and Steve Stone calling his name, and the bond he helped build between generations of fans. Ryno will be deeply missed, but never forgotten—because legends never die. He will live forever in our hearts.

“I love to play baseball. I’m a baseball player. I’ve always been a baseball player. I’m still a baseball player. That’s who I am.” Ryno HOF Induction Speech 7/31/2005