It is a question that has been on the minds of Chicago Cubs fans for what feels like an eternity now. How old is Ryne Sandberg, the legendary second baseman who practically defined an era of North Side baseball?
If you check the books today, in early 2026, the answer is etched in history. Ryne Sandberg was 65 years old when he passed away on July 28, 2025.
It feels weird to write that in the past tense. For decades, "Ryno" felt invincible. He was the guy who could glide to his left, snag a sharp grounder, and whip it to first in one fluid motion. He was the 1984 NL MVP. He was a 10-time All-Star. But more than the stats, he was a fixture of the Wrigley Field ivy. When the news broke last summer that he had lost his battle with metastatic prostate cancer, the "how old" question stopped being about a birthday and started being about a legacy cut too short.
The Life and Timeline of a Legend
Ryne Dee Sandberg was born on September 18, 1959, in Spokane, Washington.
His parents, Sandy and Libby, named him after Ryne Duren, a pitcher for the Yankees. Talk about foreshadowing. He wasn't just a baseball player in high school; he was a monster on the football field too. Most people don't realize he actually signed a letter of intent to play quarterback for Washington State. Imagine that. One of the greatest second basemen ever could have been throwing touchdowns in the Palouse instead of turning double plays at Clark and Addison.
Thankfully for Chicago, he chose the diamond.
He was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1978. They didn't really know what they had. They traded him to the Cubs in 1982 in what many consider one of the most lopsided trades in MLB history. He was 22 years old then. Just a kid with a quiet demeanor and a work ethic that would eventually land him in Cooperstown.
Why 65 Feels Too Young
When we talk about how old is Ryne Sandberg, the number 65 carries a heavy weight. He was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in January 2024.
At first, there was hope.
In August 2024, Sandberg actually announced he was cancer-free. Fans cheered. He looked good. He was back at Wrigley, leaning against the dugout railings, looking like the same guy who hit two home runs off Bruce Sutter in the "Sandberg Game." But by December of that same year, the cancer returned. It spread to other organs.
Throughout the 2025 season, the baseball world watched a different kind of "Ryno." He wasn't the quiet superstar anymore; he was a vocal advocate. He wanted men to get screened. He wanted to use his platform to save lives, even while his own was under fire.
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The timeline of his final months was a rollercoaster:
- January 2024: Initial diagnosis shared with the public.
- June 2024: The Cubs unveil a statue of him outside Wrigley Field. A perfect, permanent tribute.
- August 2024: Declared cancer-free.
- December 2024: Relapse confirmed.
- February 2025: He makes a final, emotional appearance at Spring Training in Mesa, Arizona.
- July 28, 2025: Sandberg passes away at home, surrounded by family.
He was 65. Honestly, in today’s world, that’s just the start of retirement for many. It’s the age where you’re supposed to be teaching your grandkids how to hold a bat, not fighting for your life.
The 1984 MVP and the "Sandberg Game"
To truly understand why his age and health mattered so much to fans, you have to look at 1984.
Ryne was 24.
On June 23, 1984, the Cubs played the Cardinals on NBC’s Game of the Week. Sandberg hit a solo home run in the ninth inning to tie the game against the best closer in the league. Then, in the tenth, he did it again. Another home run. Another tie. The Cubs won in the 11th.
That was the moment "Ryno" became a household name. He ended that season with a .314 average, 19 home runs, and 114 runs scored. He won the MVP. He led the Cubs to their first postseason appearance since 1945. For a generation of fans, he wasn't just a player—he was the reason they loved the game.
The Health Struggle and Modern Medicine
Metastatic prostate cancer is a brutal opponent. Even with the best medical care—which Sandberg had—it’s unpredictable. Doctors often point out that prostate cancer is highly treatable if caught early, but once it becomes metastatic (meaning it has spread to other parts of the body), the game changes.
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Sandberg was incredibly transparent about his journey. He shared updates on Instagram. He talked about the "medicine" of being at the ballpark. He didn't hide the fatigue or the toll the treatment took.
By the time he turned 65 in September 2024, he knew he was in for the fight of his life. He handled it with the same quiet dignity he used to handle a bad call at the plate. No complaining. No excuses. Just work.
What His Legacy Means for Fans Today
If you're walking around Chicago today, you'll see his number 23 everywhere. It’s retired, of course. It flies on a flag at the top of the foul pole.
But the "how old is Ryne Sandberg" question now serves as a reminder. It reminds us of the fragility of our heroes. It reminds us of the importance of early detection and men's health. Most importantly, it reminds us of a man who played the game the "right way"—with hustle, grace, and an almost superhuman consistency.
He finished his career with:
- Nine consecutive Gold Gloves (1983–1991).
- Seven Silver Slugger Awards.
- 282 career home runs (a record for second basemen at the time of his retirement).
- A Hall of Fame induction in 2005.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Supporters
While Ryne is no longer with us, his impact hasn't faded. If you want to honor his memory or are dealing with similar health concerns, here is how you can engage:
- Prioritize Health Screenings: If you are a man over 45 (or 40 with a family history), talk to your doctor about a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test. Sandberg’s primary mission in his final years was to encourage early detection.
- Support Stand Up To Cancer: The Cubs organization and the Sandberg family continue to support cancer research. Donations to organizations like Stand Up To Cancer or Ryno Kid Care directly impact families facing similar battles.
- Visit the Statue: If you're in Chicago, go to Gallagher Way outside Wrigley Field. The statue, unveiled just a year before his passing, captures him in his iconic defensive crouch. It’s a place for reflection for any baseball fan.
- Watch the Archives: Don't just look at the stats. Watch the 1984 "Sandberg Game" or his 2005 Hall of Fame speech. His speech is widely considered one of the best in the history of the Hall, focusing on respect for the game and the players who came before him.
Ryne Sandberg died at 65, but in the hearts of Cubs fans, he remains forever 24, rounding second base after a clutch hit, with the Wrigley crowd roaring in the summer sun.