Chicago Cubs hall of famer Ryne Sandberg announces cancer diagnosis
Former Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg has been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer.
The Hall of Fame second baseman said Monday he has started treatment, according to a post on his Instagram.
"I am surrounded by my loving wife Margaret, our incredibly supportive family, the best medical care team, and our dear friends," Sandberg said. "We will continue to be positive, strong, and fight to beat this. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time for me and my family."
From the JS archives: Ryne Sandberg brings his work ethic to Peoria, and to the managerial game
Ryne Sandberg in Peoria
Sandberg spent two seasons as manager of the Peoria Chiefs minor league baseball team, then an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, before being promoted to manage the Cubs' Double-A team in Tennessee. Sandberg's managerial road eventually led him to the MLB's Philadelphia Phillies, which he managed from 2013-15. The next year, he rejoined the Cubs as an ambassador.
"(Peoria) was a great place to start (a managerial career)," Sandberg said after his tenure ended in Peoria. "I really enjoyed the town and enjoyed the people. This is a nice step heading upward."
Sandberg's time in Peoria fueled attendance records at the Downtown ballpark, while also helping Burlington, Clinton and South Bend set single-game or series attendance marks during Peoria visits.
Ryne Sandberg stats
Sandberg batted .285 with 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs and 344 steals in 16 seasons in the majors.
After a 1982 trade from Philadelphia, Sandberg became a legend in Chicago. He made 10 All-Star teams and won nine Gold Gloves. He also was the NL MVP in 1984. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.
HOFers in Peoria: 7 Baseball Hall of Famers with ties to the Peoria area
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Chicago Cubs hall of famer Ryne Sandberg announces cancer diagnosis
