Cubs fondly recall Sandberg after loss to Brewers
MILWAUKEE — This Cubs team was particularly close to Ryne Sandberg, because the Cubs legend took the time to visit spring training, despite battling cancer.
News of Sandberg's passing arrived during the Cubs' 8-4 loss in Milwaukee on Monday. Manager Craig Counsell said he was made aware just before the game started. When players returned to the clubhouse, he shared the news with everyone, though he said some players heard the news during the course of the contest.
“We were lucky as a group this year to have Ryno in spring training,” Counsell said. “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. I know it meant a lot to everybody in there.”
Last year when the Sandberg statue was revealed outside Wrigley Field, the entire team headed over to watch the ceremony.
On Monday, every chair in the visitors clubhouse at American Family Field was draped with T-shirts that read “Fo23ver,” acknowledging Sandberg's No. 23.
“He kind of redefined the position a little bit, as far as what's possible,” Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner said. “Having an impact bat at second base while also winning nine Gold Gloves. He hit 19 triples in one season (in 1984), which is kind of unfathomable. Just an all around dynamic player and person as well.”
Counsell shared that he and bench coach Ryan Flaherty often wonder how it was even possible for Sandberg to hit 14 triples at Wrigley, with its notoriously short power alleys.
“He was kind of just really good at everything,” Counsell said. “He was fast, he was a great defender, loved triples. He played (second base) in a way that was fun for me to watch. Him and (shortstop) Shawon Dunston, watching those two play middle infield was always a thrill.”
Matthew Boyd, Monday's losing pitcher, shared his experience meeting Sandberg for the first time this spring. Both are natives of Washington state.
“I got to meet Ryno for the first time. this spring, and he treated me like I had worn a Cubs uniform my whole life,” Boyd said. “I think that just spoke to who he was, for this organization, as an ambassador for the game of baseball. It's a loss, and we're going to miss him. There's not really words for it.”
Sandberg revealed he was in a battle with metastatic prostate cancer in January 2024. After a brief remission, the cancer returned in December and spread to other organs.
“I know he was doing everything he could to be (at spring training), and I think he did feel better when he was there,” Counsell said. “But I don't think it was easy for him to be there. It's an environment that made him feel better, and it makes you feel good that you can provide that.”
An update posted on social media July 21 mentioned Sandberg was looking forward to making the most of every day with family and friends. The message seemed to suggest there was nothing more that could be done with treatment. Former Cubs pitcher Jon Lester wore a Sandberg jersey when he visited Wrigley Field last week.
There was no postgame talk about Monday's result in the Cubs clubhouse. Boyd had his scoreless innings streak snapped at 25 when he allowed 4 runs in the third. The Brewers hit 3 home runs, while the Cubs collected just 6 singles.
The first inning was promising for the Cubs, since they made Milwaukee rookie sensation Jacob Misiorowski throw 40 pitches and scored 3 runs.
A single by Michael Busch, walk and infield single off Misiorowski's leg loaded the bases with nobody out. The first run scored on a wild pitch, then two more came home when Ian Happ hit a nubber in front of the plate and was going to beat it out for an infield hit. But Misiorowski airmailed the first baseman for an error.
Maybe the long first inning threw Boyd off his game, because he walked the first two batters he faced. A double play ended that threat, but 4 hits and a walk in the third inning sent Milwaukee ahead 4-3.