Latest news with #TomRicketts
Daily Mail
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
MLB Hall of Famer dies aged 65 following cancer battle
By MLB Hall of Famer and former Chicago Cubs star Ryne Sandberg (pictured) has died aged 65 after a battle with cancer. The news was confirmed by the MLB on Monday night. In a statement, they wrote: 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg.' 'The beloved Cubs second baseman was a five-tool model of consistency in the 1980s and early '90s, making 10 consecutive All-Star teams and winning 9 straight Gold Glove awards. On June 23, 1984, a national TV audience watched Sandberg hit a pair of game-tying home runs in the 9th and 10th innings off Cardinals closer and future Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter.' 'Part of a magical Cubs Postseason run, the game is forever remembered in Chicago as 'The Sandberg Game.' He went on to win the 1984 NL MVP Award. 'Over 16 seasons, Sandberg slugged 282 home runs, 277 of which were as a second baseman, then a Major League record. He hit 25+ homers five times and stole 30+ bases five times.' 'Sandberg made his Major League debut with the Phillies in 1981 and later managed them for parts of three seasons. On June 23, 2024, the 40th anniversary of his iconic moment, the Cubs unveiled a statue of Sandberg outside Wrigley Field. Sandberg bravely battled cancer the last two years. He was 65'. Meanwhile, Chicago Cubs released their own statement. Executive chairman Tom Ricketts said: 'Ryne 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. 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 of the game of baseball, but most of all, he was proud of Margaret, his children and his role as husband, father and grandfather'. The 'Sandberg Game' - back in 1984 - is remembered as the game in which the second baser introduced himself to baseball fans across the country. In the ninth inning of the Cubs' game against the St Louis Cardinals, Sandberg shocked everyone as he hit a homerun against Bruce Sutter to tie the game. The Cardinals scored two runs in the top of the 10th before Sandberg stepped up once more, with the Cubs already having a man on base.
The Independent
15 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Baseball legend dies at 65 after battling cancer
Ryne Sandberg, the esteemed Hall of Fame second baseman and beloved Chicago Cubs star, has died at the age of 65. The baseball legend passed away at his home on Monday, surrounded by his family, the team confirmed. Sandberg was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in January 2024. Following chemotherapy and radiation treatments, he announced in August 2024 that he was cancer-free. However, in an Instagram post on 10 December, he revealed the cancer had returned and spread to other organs. In July, he shared a message of resilience, stating he was still fighting and "looking forward to making the most of every day with my loving family and friends." Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said Sandberg 'will be remembered as one of the all-time greats in nearly 150 years of this historic franchise.' 'His dedication to and respect for the game, along with his unrelenting integrity, grit, hustle, and competitive fire were hallmarks of his career," Ricketts said in the team's statement. Sandberg was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. He was selected out of high school by Philadelphia in the 20th round of the 1978 amateur draft. He made his major league debut in 1981 and went 1 for 6 in 13 games with the Phillies. In January 1982, he was traded to Chicago along with Larry Bowa for veteran infielder Ivan De Jesus. It turned into one of the most lopsided deals in baseball history. Sandberg hit .285 with 282 homers, 1,061 RBIs and 344 steals in 15 years with Chicago. He made 10 All-Star teams — winning the Home Run Derby in 1990 — and took home nine Gold Gloves. 'Ryne Sandberg was a legend of the Chicago Cubs franchise and a beloved figure throughout Major League Baseball," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said. 'He was a five-tool player who excelled in every facet of the game thanks to his power, speed and work ethic.' Even with Sandberg's stellar play, the Cubs made just two postseason appearances while he was in Chicago. He was the NL MVP in 1984, batting .314 with 19 homers, 84 RBIs, 32 steals, 19 triples and 114 runs scored. Chicago won the NL East and Sandberg hit .368 (7 for 19) in the playoffs, but the Cubs were eliminated by San Diego after winning the first two games of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field. The 1984 season featured what Cubs fans still call 'The Sandberg Game,' when he homered twice and drove in seven runs in a 12-11 victory over St. Louis in 11 innings on June 23. Chicago paid tribute to Sandberg and that game when it unveiled a statue of the infielder outside Wrigley Field on that date in 2024. 'He was a superhero in this city,' Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said during a TV broadcast of the team's game on July 20. 'You think about (Michael) Jordan, Walter Payton and Ryne Sandberg all here at the same time, and I can't imagine a person handling their fame better, their responsibility for a city better than he did.' Sandberg led Chicago back to the playoffs in 1989, hitting .290 with 30 homers as the Cubs won the NL East. He batted .400 (8 for 20) in the NLCS, but Chicago lost to San Francisco in five games. Sandberg set a career high with an NL-best 40 homers in 1990 and drove in a career-best 100 runs in 1990 and 1991, but he never made it back to the postseason. He retired after the 1997 season. 'When you examine the offense and defense, you'll find some years where he was the best player you've ever seen in your life,' former Cubs first baseman Mark Grace said. Sandberg was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005, receiving 76.2% of the vote by the Baseball Writers' Association of America in his third try on the ballot. The Cubs retired his No. 23 that same year. 'Ryne Sandberg had a relentless work ethic and an unshakable positive outlook," Hall of Fame chair Jane Forbes Clark said. 'With it, he inspired all those who knew him.' Sandberg also managed Philadelphia from August 2013 to June 2015, going 119-159. He got the interim job when Charlie Manuel was fired, and he resigned with the Phillies in the middle of a difficult 2015 season.
The Guardian
20 hours ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Cubs hall of famer Ryne Sandberg dies at age 65
Ryne Sandberg, a Hall of Fame second baseman who became one of baseball's best all-around players while starring for the Chicago Cubs, has died. He was 65. Sandberg was surrounded by his family when he died at his home on Monday, according to the team. Sandberg announced in January 2024 that he had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. He had chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and then said in August 2024 that he was cancer-free. But he posted on Instagram on 10 December that his cancer had returned and spread to other organs. He announced this month that he was still fighting, while 'looking forward to making the most of every day with my loving family and friends.' Cubs chair Tom Ricketts said Sandberg 'will be remembered as one of the all-time greats in nearly 150 years of this historic franchise.' 'His dedication to and respect for the game, along with his unrelenting integrity, grit, hustle, and competitive fire were hallmarks of his career,' Ricketts said in the team's statement. Sandberg was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. He was selected out of high school by Philadelphia in the 20th round of the 1978 amateur draft. He made his major league debut in 1981 and went 1 for 6 in 13 games with the Phillies. In January 1982, he was traded to Chicago along with Larry Bowa for veteran infielder Ivan De Jesus. It turned into one of the most lopsided deals in baseball history. Sandberg hit .285 with 282 homers, 1,061 RBIs and 344 steals in 15 years with Chicago. He made 10 All-Star teams – winning the Home Run Derby in 1990 – and took home nine Gold Gloves. 'Ryne Sandberg was a legend of the Chicago Cubs franchise and a beloved figure throughout Major League Baseball,' MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said. 'He was a five-tool player who excelled in every facet of the game thanks to his power, speed and work ethic.' Even with Sandberg's stellar play, the Cubs made just two postseason appearances while he was in Chicago. He was the NL MVP in 1984, batting .314 with 19 homers, 84 RBIs, 32 steals, 19 triples and 114 runs scored. Chicago won the NL East and Sandberg hit .368 (7 for 19) in the playoffs, but the Cubs were eliminated by San Diego after winning the first two games of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field. The 1984 season featured what Cubs fans still call 'The Sandberg Game,' when he homered twice and drove in seven runs in a 12-11 victory over St. Louis in 11 innings on 23 June. Chicago paid tribute to Sandberg and that game when it unveiled a statue of the infielder outside Wrigley Field on that date in 2024. 'He was a superhero in this city,' Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said during a TV broadcast of the team's game on 20 July. 'You think about (Michael) Jordan, Walter Payton and Ryne Sandberg all here at the same time, and I can't imagine a person handling their fame better, their responsibility for a city better than he did.' Sandberg led Chicago back to the playoffs in 1989, hitting .290 with 30 homers as the Cubs won the NL East. He batted .400 (8 for 20) in the NLCS, but Chicago lost to San Francisco in five games. Sandberg set a career high with an NL-best 40 homers in 1990 and drove in a career-best 100 runs in 1990 and 1991, but he never made it back to the postseason. He retired after the 1997 season. 'When you examine the offense and defense, you'll find some years where he was the best player you've ever seen in your life,' former Cubs first baseman Mark Grace said. Sandberg was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005, receiving 76.2% of the vote by the Baseball Writers' Association of America in his third try on the ballot. The Cubs retired his No 23 that same year. 'Ryne Sandberg had a relentless work ethic and an unshakable positive outlook,' Hall of Fame chair Jane Forbes Clark said. 'With it, he inspired all those who knew him.' Sandberg also managed Philadelphia from August 2013 to June 2015, going 119-159. He got the interim job when Charlie Manuel was fired, and he resigned with the Phillies in the middle of a difficult 2015 season.
CNN
21 hours ago
- Sport
- CNN
Hall of Famer, Chicago Cubs great Ryne Sandberg dies at age 65
Longtime Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg died Monday at age 65, his family announced on Sandberg's verified Instagram page. 'It is with heavy hearts, we announce that Ryne passed away tonight in the comfort of his home. Ryne was surrounded by his loving wife Margaret, their children, and grandchildren,' the post read. 'We thank you for all of the kind words, support, and love during this difficult time. Ryne will forever be in our hearts.' The Hall of Famer had been battling metastatic prostate cancer. 'Ryne 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,' Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement. 'His dedication to and respect for the game, along with his unrelenting integrity, grit, hustle, and competitive fire were hallmarks of his career.' Sandberg was a 10-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner during a 16-year playing career that was highlighted by winning the National League MVP award in 1984. Former Cubs manager Jim Frey once said of Sandberg, 'I've never seen a player work harder, and it seemed like the better he got, the harder he worked.' 'Ryno,' as he was affectionately called, started his professional career in 1981 with the Philadelphia Phillies, who drafted him out of high school. The Phillies traded him to the Cubs after one season, but Sandberg would later return to Philadelphia as a coach and manager. 'The Phillies family is devastated to learn of the passing of Ryne Sandberg,' the team said Monday. 'He made a lifelong impact on so many including those who had the privilege of knowing him and working with him.' Sandberg retired after the 1997 season as Major League Baseball's record-holder for home runs as a second baseman at the time, and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. 'Ryne Sandberg had a relentless work ethic and an unshakable positive outlook,' said Hall of Fame chairman Jane Forbes Clark. 'We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Margaret, and his family, as we remember and celebrate his life.' After revealing his prostate cancer diagnosis in January 2024, Sandberg announced in August of that year that he was cancer-free. Then, in December, he said his cancer had returned and 'spread to other organs.' Sandberg spoke about his battle with cancer at the unveiling of a statue in his honor at Chicago's Wrigley Field in June of 2024. 'My life changed a lot in 1984. But that's nothing compared to what happened six months ago,' he said, referencing his cancer diagnosis. 'My thoughts today are instead about love, life, family and friends. I feel that love now. It was always there.' The Chicago icon was a Cubbie through and through. On July 16, he posted on Instagram that he was committed to fighting the disease, still watching every Cubs game and was 'excited for the second half and to see Wrigley rocking like 1984!' Sandberg was remembered Monday by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred. 'Ryne Sandberg was a legend of the Chicago Cubs franchise and a beloved figure throughout Major League Baseball. He was a five-tool player who excelled in every facet of the game thanks to his power, speed and work ethic,' Manfred said in a statement. 'Ryne remained active in the game he loved as an ambassador for the Cubs, a manager for the Phillies and in the Minor Leagues, and a frequent participant at the Hall of Fame. His many friends across the game were in his corner as he courageously fought cancer in recent years. We will continue to support the important work of Stand Up To Cancer in Ryne's memory. 'On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Ryne's family, Cubs fans everywhere and his admirers throughout our National Pastime.'
CNN
21 hours ago
- Sport
- CNN
Hall of Famer, Chicago Cubs great Ryne Sandberg dies at age 65
CancerFacebookTweetLink Follow Longtime Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg died Monday at age 65, his family announced on Sandberg's verified Instagram page. 'It is with heavy hearts, we announce that Ryne passed away tonight in the comfort of his home. Ryne was surrounded by his loving wife Margaret, their children, and grandchildren,' the post read. 'We thank you for all of the kind words, support, and love during this difficult time. Ryne will forever be in our hearts.' The Hall of Famer had been battling metastatic prostate cancer. 'Ryne 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,' Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement. 'His dedication to and respect for the game, along with his unrelenting integrity, grit, hustle, and competitive fire were hallmarks of his career.' Sandberg was a 10-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner during a 16-year playing career that was highlighted by winning the National League MVP award in 1984. Former Cubs manager Jim Frey once said of Sandberg, 'I've never seen a player work harder, and it seemed like the better he got, the harder he worked.' 'Ryno,' as he was affectionately called, started his professional career in 1981 with the Philadelphia Phillies, who drafted him out of high school. The Phillies traded him to the Cubs after one season, but Sandberg would later return to Philadelphia as a coach and manager. 'The Phillies family is devastated to learn of the passing of Ryne Sandberg,' the team said Monday. 'He made a lifelong impact on so many including those who had the privilege of knowing him and working with him.' Sandberg retired after the 1997 season as Major League Baseball's record-holder for home runs as a second baseman at the time, and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. 'Ryne Sandberg had a relentless work ethic and an unshakable positive outlook,' said Hall of Fame chairman Jane Forbes Clark. 'We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Margaret, and his family, as we remember and celebrate his life.' After revealing his prostate cancer diagnosis in January 2024, Sandberg announced in August of that year that he was cancer-free. Then, in December, he said his cancer had returned and 'spread to other organs.' Sandberg spoke about his battle with cancer at the unveiling of a statue in his honor at Chicago's Wrigley Field in June of 2024. 'My life changed a lot in 1984. But that's nothing compared to what happened six months ago,' he said, referencing his cancer diagnosis. 'My thoughts today are instead about love, life, family and friends. I feel that love now. It was always there.' The Chicago icon was a Cubbie through and through. On July 16, he posted on Instagram that he was committed to fighting the disease, still watching every Cubs game and was 'excited for the second half and to see Wrigley rocking like 1984!' Sandberg was remembered Monday by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred. 'Ryne Sandberg was a legend of the Chicago Cubs franchise and a beloved figure throughout Major League Baseball. He was a five-tool player who excelled in every facet of the game thanks to his power, speed and work ethic,' Manfred said in a statement. 'Ryne remained active in the game he loved as an ambassador for the Cubs, a manager for the Phillies and in the Minor Leagues, and a frequent participant at the Hall of Fame. His many friends across the game were in his corner as he courageously fought cancer in recent years. We will continue to support the important work of Stand Up To Cancer in Ryne's memory. 'On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Ryne's family, Cubs fans everywhere and his admirers throughout our National Pastime.'
