Many players strive for success in baseball by trying to win as many games as possible. But sometimes, the best victories go beyond what happens on the field. That is exactly the case for former Philadelphia Phillies draft pick and manager, Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg.
Former Phillies manager receives the best health news possible
Earlier this week, Sandberg announced on his Instagram account that he is officially cancer-free after undergoing recent tests, making him victorious in his battle against metastatic prostate cancer since starting treatments at the beginning of 2024.
Sandberg, 64, was selected in the 20th round by Philadelphia in the 1978 MLB Draft. As a result, he began his MLB career as a player with the Phillies in 1981. However, he appeared in just 13 games before eventually being traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he remained for the rest of his illustrious baseball career.
Sandberg played 2,164 games while batting .285 with a .795 OPS, along with 282 home runs and 1,061 RBI. He captured NL MVP honors in 1984 to go along with his seven Silver Slugger Awards, nine Gold Gloves, and 10 All-Star nominations.
Sandberg rejoined the Phillies as a coach and manager
Sandberg came full circle when he first rejoined the Phillies organization as a manager and coach in their minor league system between 2011 and 2012. He ultimately landed the managerial job with the Phillies big league club toward the end of the 2013 season.
After producing sub-par results with the team, he later resigned from the position in June of the 2015 MLB season. He finished with a career MLB managerial record of 119-159, all with the Phillies, with no postseason appearances.
Sandberg may not have made a huge mark during his time with the Phillies organization, but he will always be a part of the Phillies family in the hearts of the players and fans. Hearing the great news that he had defeated cancer and is in great spirits is the best possible news for both his family and the baseball world.