SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Chicago Cubs announced Monday that hall-of-fame second baseman, Ryne Sandberg, passed away at the age of 65. He was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in January of 2023.
Sandberg started his career in 1981 with the Phillies and was later traded to the Chicago Cubs. He was inducted into the baseball hall of fame in 2005 and managed the Phillies between 2013 and 2015. He came back to the Cubs in 2016 to serve as a ‘Goodwill Ambassador.’
Joe Hart, President of the South Bend Cubs, says the impact of Sandberg’s passing can be felt at Four Winds Field. He says this loss impacts the organization, Cubs fans, and all of baseball.
“It's a rough day for Cubs fans. Losing Ryno is a tough one. Obviously, he meant a lot to the game–hall of famer. Played the game the right way and respected the game. That’s what so many people appreciate. Not only was he a great player, but a better person,” said Hart.
Hart said he has great memories of Sandberg visiting Four Winds Field when he attended the Midwest League All-Star game in 2019.
“We had the opportunity to meet him in 2019 when we hosted the Midwest League All-Star game. He was kind of our master of ceremonies. We did an event at Century Center. Drew over 1,000 people to come hear him talk. And that just says a lot about his impact,” said Hart.
Hart says Sandburg was selfless, always giving back.
“He never forgot where he came from. I think that was the biggest thing. He was very humble. had a great career–he was in the Hall of Fame. But when you met him as an individual, you didn't know that. I mean, there was no ego. It was being selfless and giving of himself,” said Hart.
Hart says they will honor Sandberg with a moment of silence at Tuesday’s game.
Greg Delinski, current consultant for The Linebacker Lounge and former owner says he remembers meeting Sandberg in 2007 when he was the manager of the Peoria Chiefs.
“There was a big crowd, and he couldn't get out of the stadium. So, Mark Haley, the manager of the Silver Hawks, called me and I went and met him at the center field gate, got him in the car, brought him down to The Linebacker. He and his coaches had a chance to relax, talk about the game, and meet a lot of the customers here at The Linebacker,” said Delinski.
Over the years, Delinski says Sandberg came back to the Linebacker and they would talk about sports and family.
“He welcomed customers coming up and talking to him. He signed whatever they needed him to sign,” said Delinski.