He was diagnosed with cancer.
The former Chicago Cubs player has already started treatment.
Ryne Sandberg was the first baseman for the Chicago Cubs for 15 years. The legendary shortstop, who has won all sorts of awards throughout his career, shared some sad news for Major League fans today. He was diagnosed with cancer.
Sandberg, now 64, entered Major League Baseball in 1981 and had a brief stint with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 1982, the second baseman joined his beloved team, the Cubs.
In his 15-year career, Sandberg was named an All-Star 10 times, was the National League Most Valuable Player in 1990, and won the Gold Glove nine times and the Silver Slugger seven times. The team retired his number in 2005, the same year he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Now, 27 years after his retirement, the legendary former player announced that last week, he was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer.
Sandberg assures that he will fight
The player gave the notice on Monday on his Instagram account in a statement addressed “To my Chicago Cubs, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the extended Baseball family, the city of Chicago, and all my loyal fans.”
Sandberg said: “I have begun treatment and am surrounded by my loving wife Margaret, our incredibly supportive family, the best healthcare team, and our dear friends.”
He indicated that he is trying to maintain a positive mindset and a strong attitude “to fight to beat this. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time for me and my family.”
The Cubs promptly responded to the news, posting on their account on X that reads: “Ryne, we send you love, strength, and support on your journey. With locked arms, we are rallying around you and your family on the journey ahead to conquer this battle.”
Ryne was a Cubs icon.
While in Chicago, Sandberg hit .285, had 2,386 hits, 282 home runs, 1,061 and 344 stolen bases.
His best season was 1984, when he led the league with a .314 average, 19 home runs, 19 triples and 114 runs scored, and was named MVP.
Sandberg managed the Phillies for three seasons and had 119 wins and 159 losses.
