Former Philadelphia Phillies manager and Baseball Hall of Fame member Ryne Sandberg released a public statement on Monday revealing he has been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. While no further details of his prognosis are known at this time, the former All-Star second baseman was hopeful in his message to fans and former teammates.
Earlier today, Ryne Sandberg announced he is beginning treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. pic.twitter.com/F1ChNJod5z
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 22, 2024
Sandberg, 64, actually began his baseball career with the Philadelphia Phillies after being selected in the 20th round of the 1978 draft. After debuting with the Phillies in 13 games during the 1981 season, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he became a 10-time All-Star and won the National League MVP in 1984. He was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.
Ryne Sandberg's years as Philadelphia Phillies manager
Ryne Sandberg returned to the Philadelphia Phillies organization in 2010 when he was hired as manager of the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. He was promoted to third base coach for the Phillies for the start of the 2013 season and took over the role of manager on Aug. 16 following the firing of Charlie Manuel.
Sandberg would manage parts of three seasons for the Phillies from 2013 to 2015, and his time as manager was generally regarded as a disaster. In 278 games, Sandberg's Phillies teams had a record of 119 wins and 159 losses (.428 winning percentage) and only finished as high as fourth place in one of his three seasons at the helm. He resigned from his role as manager 76 games into the 2015 season.
Ryne Sandberg coached a Phillies team that was generally on the decline during that time period, but baseball results and real-life struggles are two separate circumstances. The baseball world and Philadelphia Phillies fans all wish Ryne Sandberg the best of luck in his battle against cancer.