“I Know I’m Not Alone”: Ryne Sandberg and the Battle Off the Field
On Sunday, Ryne Sandberg – a living legend of the Chicago Cubs and a 2005 Hall of Fame member – shared for the first time a touching photo and message amid his battle against malignant brain cancer.
In the latest photo posted on his personal Instagram, Sandberg appeared with a shaved head, a resilient smile next to his beloved wife Cindy. It was the image not of a sick person – but of a warrior.
“Three weeks after my first chemo and radiation. Thank you for all the love and support. I am fighting every day,” he wrote.
Darkness after glory
In January 2024, Ryne Sandberg announced his diagnosis of advanced brain cancer – a devastating news that shocked the MLB community. Cubs fans – who considered him an irreplaceable icon – were almost speechless at the news.
Sandberg, nicknamed “Ryno”, was a 10-time All-Star, won 9 Gold Gloves, 7 Silver Batting and became MVP in 1984 – the man who shaped the Cubs’ fighting spirit throughout the 80s and 90s. But now, what he’s facing isn’t a fastball, a curveball, or a lost season—it’s something that would bring even the strongest athlete to his knees.
An icon who continues to inspire
What touched people was not just Sandberg’s resilience, but the way he shared his journey—gently, honestly, without complaining. The first photo he posted after nearly half a year of silence had no tears or hospitals, just love and gratitude.
“I feel blessed to have had my wife, my family, my fans with me every step of the way. I’m not alone,” he wrote.
The Cubs community came together to send prayers
Soon after the post, thousands of well-wishes poured in from all over:
“We grew up with you. Now we’re here for you.”
“The greatest hitter at Wrigley Field, now the greatest hitter in real life.”
“Ryno never gave up. He was the heart of the Cubs.”
Wrigley Field even flew a “We Love You, Ryno” banner during recent home games – a sign of solidarity for the man who once gave his heart to the team.
The future is unclear, but the faith remains strong
While there has been no official update on his treatment, Sandberg insists he is “doing well” and will continue to update fans when possible.
At 64, Ryne Sandberg is no longer a hero on the field. But in his battle with illness, he is becoming a hero in real life – with courage, gratitude, and a Cubs spirit that never gives up. And if Chicago ever had a heart… it is still beating, in the powerful words of a legend named Ryno.