Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg Jun 23, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame player Ryne Sandberg throws out a ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the New York Mets at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
By Reice Shipley on

On Monday, the baseball community was dealt some unfortunate news about Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg, who passed away at the age of 65 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Sandberg played 16 seasons in the MLB from 1981 to 1997, winning nine golf gloves, making ten All-Star Game appearances, and winning an MVP award in 1984, a list of accomplishments that ultimately contributed to being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.

While Sandberg is best known for his time on the field with the Chicago Cubs, he did also serve as a part-time analyst on Marquee Sports Network, the broadcast home of the Cubs, a role he started in 2021.

The Cubs social media team were the first to report on the unfortunate news of his passing.

Additionally, Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts shared a statement on behalf of the Cubs organization, referring to Sandberg as “one of the all-time greats in nearly 150 years of this historic franchise”.

“Ryan Sandberg was a hero to a generation of Chicago Cubs fans and will be remembered as one of the all-time greats in nearly 150 years of this historic franchise,” wrote Ricketts. “His dedication to and respect for the game, along with his unrelenting integrity, grit, hustle, and competitive fire were hallmarks of his career. He was immensely proud of his teammates and his role as a global ambassador for the game of baseball, but most of all, he was proud of Margaret, his children, and his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. Margaret and their children and grandchildren will always be a part of the Cubs family. ‘Ryno’ will never be forgotten by the Cubs community and baseball fans around the world.”

Naturally, countless media members shared their reaction to the news on social media, sharing kind words about the kind of impact Sandberg had on their fandom to the game of baseball.

“My favorite player,” wrote Angels TV broadcaster Wayne Randazzo. “This is so awful. RIP Ryno.”

“Absolutely devastating news. One of my fav ball players growing up,” wrote Jen Lada of ESPN Milwaukee.

“Thank you Ryno for providing so much happiness to us Cubs fans,” wrote Phoenix Suns color analyst Eddie Johnson.

“This is brutal. So sad. RIP,” wrote longtime Mets radio broadcaster Howie Rose.

“Oh my heart. Prayers for his family during this unthinkable loss,” wrote ESPN Chicago radio host Dionne Miller.

In addition to the countless personalities in the sports media space who made sure to share their public reactions to Sandberg’s passing, there were also several tributes paid to Sandberg on broadcasts across the MLB on Monday night.

Based on this outpouring of support from the baseball community to Sandberg’s family, it is quite clear that while Ryne Sandberg is no longer with us, his legacy and impact on the game of baseball will live on for many years to come.

About Reice Shipley

Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.

View all posts by Reice Shipley