Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs poses Feb. 18, 2020, in Mesa, Ariz. The Cubs legend and National Baseball Hall of Fame second baseman has been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, he announced in a social media post Monday. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)AP
Chicago Cubs legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg has been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, he announced Monday.
The 64-year-old Sandberg, who played 15 seasons for the Cubs from 1982 to 1997, shared the news of his diagnosis in a social media post.
“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,” Sandberg wrote in an Instagram post. “Last week, I Iearned 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,” he added.
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Sandberg is widely considered one of the greatest second baseman in MLB history. He won the National League MVP at age 24 in 1984 and was selected to 10 consecutive MLB All-Star Games from 1984 to 1993. The Spokane, Washington, native also won nine Gold Glove awards and seven Silver Slugger awards during his 16-year career, which includes his 1981 rookie season with the Philadelphia Phillies in which he had only six at-bats all season.
What’s more, Sandberg won the 1990 MLB Home Run Derby at the Cubs’ home Wrigley Field. However, the 1990 Home Run Derby – which also featured Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire, and Jose Canseco – is widely considered one of the worst Home Run Derbys ever as a total of five home runs were hit due to windy conditions in Chicago.
Sandberg retired following the 1997 MLB season and finished his career with a .285 batting average, 282 home runs, 344 steals, 2,386 hits, and 1,061 RBI in 2,164 career games. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.
The Chicago Cubs on Monday issued a statement in support of Sandberg as he undergoes cancer treatment.
“Ryne, we’re sending love, strength and support your way,” the Cubs said in a tweet. “With locked arms, we are rallying around you and your family on the journey ahead to conquer this battle.”
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