Cubs legend announces he is battling cancer
Jul 23, 2023; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Hall of famer Ryne Sandberg is introduced during the 2023 National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg is battling prostate cancer.
Sandberg announced via his Instagram page on Monday that he was diagnosed last week with metastatic prostate cancer. He has already begun treatment for the issue.
“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,” Sandberg wrote in his note.
Sandberg is 64 years old.
The Spokane, Wash. native made his MLB debut in 1981 with the Philadelphia Phillies, who quickly traded him to the Chicago Cubs. Sandberg then spent the entire rest of his career with the Cubs and became a franchise legend.
From 1982-1997, Sandberg made 10 All-Star teams, won 9 Gold Gloves at second base, and he was named the 1984 NL MVP. Sandberg led the league in runs scored three times, triples once, and home runs once. He also stole 344 bases during his career, including a high mark of 54 in 1985.
Sandberg was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, which was his third year on the ballot.