The baseball world as a whole lost a legend of the game Monday.
Longtime Chicago Cubs second baseman, Philadelphia Phillies manager and MLB Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg died at the age of 65 after a two-year battle with prostate cancer.
The unfortunate and heartbreaking news was shared via a social media post by the Cubs’ official X account.
With great sadness, we share that Ryne Sandberg has passed away today. pic.twitter.com/LJJ0jGqSy5
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 29, 2025
For nearly all Cubs fans around the world, it turned what was supposed to be an exciting Monday night divisional showdown against the Milwaukee Brewers into an afterthought.
The passing of Sandberg carried far more weight than any July baseball game ever could, and it was a sad night across social media for Chicago fans.
“Special player. Special guy.”Boog & JD remember the legend Ryne Sandberg. pic.twitter.com/cJGMGcyIJ2
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) July 29, 2025
All of Sandberg’s accomplishments speak for themselves. But what was more touching, was the outpouring of sadness, condolences and respect that was shown across social media.
From generations of Cubs fans to former big leaguer Larry Bowa, current manager Craig Counsell and even the great Bob Costas, it was extremely easy to tell just how much No. 23 meant to baseball during his time.
“He was the signature player of that era in @Cubs history… everything you could want a ballplayer to do fundamentally, he did.” – Bob Costas on Ryne Sandberg pic.twitter.com/pmc9PB4AX7
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 29, 2025
The stories of Sandberg on the diamond have always stood out for some that came along well after his playing days and never got to see the Hall of Fame player that he was.
It does, though, feel like there was a common theme and view of Sandberg from anyone that he shared the field with.
Sandberg the man far outweighed Sandberg the player and his kindness and compassion for anyone he ever interacted with will leave far more of an impact than his playing career ever did.
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