Image courtesy Creator: Minda Haas Kuhlmann
Ryne Sandberg Opens Up About Cancer Battle ‘One Day at a Time’
You grow up watching certain players and never really think of them as vulnerable. Ryne Sandberg was one of those guys. Quiet. All business. Just showed up and did his job better than most — no flash, no noise.
Now he’s in a fight that has nothing to do with baseball. Earlier this year, he shared that he’s dealing with an aggressive cancer. Prostate, and it’s spread. It’s not something he talks about a lot — typical Ryne — but when he does, he’s honest. This isn’t easy.
He had a stretch where things looked hopeful. Treatment seemed to be working, and for a minute, it felt like he might be on the other side of it. But cancer doesn’t play fair. It came back, and this time it hit harder.
He’s not on the field much anymore. Can’t make it to Wrigley like he used to. Says the last few months have been rough — and from the sounds of it, that’s putting it mildly. But even now, he’s watching every game. Still that same loyal guy who keeps showing up in his own way.
What’s keeping him going? Family, mostly. Margaret — his wife — and their kids, grandkids, close friends. That’s his team now. And they’re with him every step of the way.
This isn’t a sports story. Not really. It’s just life — unpredictable and unfair sometimes. But if anyone knows how to dig deep and fight, it’s Sandberg. He didn’t earn all those Gold Gloves by luck. He stayed steady, kept going. Same thing now.
No speeches, no drama. Just Ryne being Ryne. Showing up. Fighting quietly.
