Chicago — In a statement that left the baseball world speechless, Ryne Sandberg — Hall of Famer and Chicago Cubs icon — confirmed his health was deteriorating. After months of quietly battling a serious illness, Sandberg shared an emotional message with fans from his Arizona hospital room.
“My body is tired. But the memories of Wrigley Field… are still fresh in my heart.”
A quiet warrior — and a call from the field
Sandberg, 64, was the soul of the Cubs in the 1980s and 1990s. A 10-time All-Star, nine Gold Gloves, one MVP… but what made fans love him more than any accolades was his quiet devotion. Today, he returns to them — not on stage, but with a heartfelt message from his hospital bed.
“I don’t need another medal. I just wish I could put on my Cubs cap, stand in the middle of Wrigley, and hear the crowd one last time…”
What did the Cubs say?
The Chicago Cubs immediately issued a special statement, calling Ryne Sandberg “the undying heart of Wrigley Field.” Former players Mark Grace, Kerry Wood, and Derrek Lee sent their prayers, while fans shared photos of his No. 23 jersey with the hashtags:
#PrayForRyno | #OnceACubAlwaysACub | #23Forever
A Whisper Back to Wrigley
In a handwritten letter to fans, Ryne closed with the following trembling words:
“I don’t know how much time I have left… but if I could have one wish, it would be to walk out of the dugout at Wrigley one more time. Not for the fans. For me — and for the Cubs.”