Ryno trends on X as fans pay tribute to Cubs icon Ryne Sandberg

Baseball Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg passed away on July 28, 2025, at the age of 65. Nicknamed Ryno, he reportedly died from metastatic prostate cancer, diagnosed in 2024.

The news of his demise saddened generations of baseball fans and netizens worldwide. They are mourning the Chicago Cubs slugger's passing on social media, expressing their emotions and thoughts on the loss. 

With the announcement of his death on the internet, the legendary star's nickname, Ryno, has been making the rounds and trending on the X (formerly Twitter) platform. As CBS News reported, Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts released a statement on the tragic news. He paid a tribute, stating,

"Ryne Sandberg was a hero to a generation of Chicago Cubs fans and will be remembered as one of the all-time greats in nearly 150 years of this historic franchise."

Recalling his contribution and passion for the sport, Ricketts further continued in the statement,

"His dedication to and respect for the game, along with his unrelenting integrity, grit, hustle, and competitive fire were hallmarks of his career. He was immensely proud of his teammates and his role as a global ambassador of the game of baseball, but most of all, he was proud of Margaret, his children and his role as husband, father, and grandfather."

Ryno's passing shocked his huge, devoted fanbase

Considered one of the most legendary second basemen in the history of Major League Baseball, his surprising death affected many. Fans in different parts of the world have been paying homage to Ryan and cherishing his spectacular games and legacy in the sports landscape. Sandberg is survived by his wife, Margaret, and his children. 

Last year, in January, Ryno was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. According to a report by IndiaTimes, he began his medical treatments right after the diagnosis. Earlier this month, the former athlete reflected on his strenuous battle with the disease and shared that he had been spending more time with his family, friends, and loved ones in between the tiring process to bounce back healthier.

Dedicated to his fans and extended baseball family, he shared an Instagram update on July 16, noting,

"I wanted to share an update regarding my health. It’s been a challenging few months as I have been going through treatment on a regular basis. While I am continuing to fight, I’m looking forward to making the most of every day with my loving family and friends."

He also opened up about missing his visits to Wrigley Field, further continuing,

"I haven’t been to Wrigley Field as much as I hoped in the first half but I’m watching every game and am excited for the second half and to see Wrigley rocking like 1984! 
Thank you for all the messages of support. Go Cubs! - Ryne Sandberg"

Unfortunately, within two weeks of his message, he took his last breath peacefully on Monday. His family confirmed the news by issuing an official statement via the baseball icon's official Instagram profile.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Ryne Sandberg (@rynesandberg23)

His family conveyed,

"To Ryne’s Fans, Friends, and Baseball Family - It is with heavy hearts, we announce that Ryne passed away tonight in the comfort of his home. Ryne was surrounded by his loving wife Margaret, their children, and grandchildren. We thank you for all of the kind words, support, and love during this difficult time. Ryne will forever be in our hearts."

Ever since the news of Ryno's demise broke online, Ryno's fans started showering a flood of tributes. From baseball players to followers, the baseball community has taken to social media platforms to express their grief and remember the star for his humility, zeal, optimism, and his noteworthy impact on the Chicago Cubs. The 10-time All-Star is an inspiration, a childhood hero for many baseball fanatics. They are deeply heartbroken to hear the news. But they are taking this moment to explain Ryan's influence on them.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred honored Ryno's memory, sharing,

“Ryne remained active in the game he loved as an ambassador for the Cubs, a manager for the Phillies and in the Minor Leagues, and a frequent participant at the Hall of Fame."

A report by MLB further cited,

"His many friends across the game were in his corner as he courageously fought cancer in recent years. We will continue to support the important work of Stand Up To Cancer in Ryne’s memory."

The outlet also reported baseball outfielder Ian Happ recalling Ryan giving him advice while he was struggling in April. Looking back at how the late athlete came forward to help him recover from the slump, Happ expressed,

"It was just cool. It was cool to have somebody who’s played forever and been through moments to take the time, and to be paying that much attention and to be watching that closely and to know how much weight his words carry."

Second baseman Nico Hoerner is heavily saddened to hear the news of Ryno's passing. They have had some special interactions with the senior player, assisting him with insights about the sport. Recounting his advice and suggestions, Hoerner called Ryne "selfless" and remarked,

"He's kind of the blueprint for what it means to be an amazing Cub as far as the way he carried himself, obviously through his career and everything he achieved, but just how selfless he was in his time with us, too. It was never about him, ever. It was just true love for the game of baseball. And I think that was particularly clear this spring in all the effort that he made to be there throughout even more than, I'm sure, what we can even imagine." 

With great sadness, we share that Ryne Sandberg has passed away today. pic.twitter.com/LJJ0jGqSy5

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 29, 2025

The Chicago Cubs also tweeted on his demise, announcing,

"With great sadness, we share that Ryne Sandberg has passed away today."

Cubs manager Craig Counsell reminisced about moments of being around him and paid tribute to his memory, adding,

"We were lucky as a group this year to have Ryno in Spring Training. And it was an honor to be around a man battling for his life, but wanting to come to the baseball park and spend his day with us. And I know it meant a lot to everybody in there."

X user Andrew Quinn @AJQuinn82 paid a tribute to Ryan, saying,

"You didn’t have to be a Cubs fan to be a Sandberg fan. Rest easy, Ryno ❤️💙"

Journalist Julie Kelly recounted an epic baseball match from June 1984 that is recognized as one of the significant games in the Chicago Cubs' history. Sharing a glimpse of the decades-old incredible performance of Ryan, she penned in the caption,

"This game in June 1984 didn’t just create an unforgettable year but created the modern day fandom of the Chicago Cubs. Just loved how Ryno played the game with humility and diligence."

Here's why Ryne Sandberg was lovingly called Ryno

The Phillies manager's nickname was Ryno. In September 2013, he revealed the reason behind his adorable nickname. In an exclusive conversation with The Phillies Files, published over a decade ago, he explained,

"I was called Ryan for about 20 years. It was wrong. So Ryno worked."

Interestingly, he was called Sandy during his tenure with the Phillies organization. Later, it was changed to the renowned Ryno. Recalling that moment, he also added,

"Kind of worked. Then went to Ryno, which I was happy with because it wasn’t Ryan."

The history behind the name "Ryne Sandberg" is more fascinating. As the outlet reported, the eminent athlete got his name from Ryne Duren. Duren pitched for the New York Yankees, the Los Angeles Angels, the Cincinnati Reds, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Washington Senators from 1957 to 1965. Recounting the story of getting his name, Sandberg told,

"As a minor leaguer, probably '79, [my] second year in pro ball, Ryne Duren was making the rounds through the minor leagues talking about alcoholism and things like that. He actually came and spoke to the minor league system and the Carpenter Complex and I was right there in the room. Afterward, I went up and introduced myself. 'Ryne, I'm named after you. Ryne Sandberg. Nice to meet you.’ I’m 19 years old. People mispronounced my name, yours is the one responsible for that. That was cool."

The duo met again after around a decade. Ryno remembered that interaction during the interview and noted that Ryne Duren came up to him at the batting cage and asked,

"Hey Ryne remember me? I’m Ryne Duren, you were named after me."

He also added,

"Tables turned a little bit. He came up all bashful. It was pretty cool."

Follow Primetimer for more such updates.