The Chicago Cubs will return from the All-Star break with high hopes of a surge to the playoffs.
Thanks to the addition of Kyle Tucker and emergence of Pete Crow-Armstrong, along with several other star performances across the roster, the Cubs seem poised to end a four-year postseason drought with a deep run. And as fans prepare for a fun summer at Wrigley Field, they’ve received a note from one of the most beloved members of franchise history.
Ryne Sandberg, who served as one of the game’s most productive second baseman for the Cubs from 1982 to 1997, provided an update after suffering a recurrence and spread of cancer in December.
“It’s been a challenging few months as I have been going through treatment on a regular basis,” Sandberg wrote on his Instagram, as relayed by Marquee Sports Network. “While I am continuing to fight, I’m looking forward to making the most of every day with my loving family and friends. 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 to see the second half and to see Wrigley rocking like 1984!”
Sandberg was referring to his Most Valuable Player Award-winning 1984 season in which the Cubs finished first in their division and reached the National League Championship Series. That year, Sandberg also earned one of his nine career Gold Glove Awards, seven career Silver Slugger Awards and 10 career All-Star bids.
Cubs fans might have been hoping to see more of Sandberg at the ballpark as the team enjoys its resurgent success. But a note from the legend himself is reason enough to remember all that he accomplished in a Cubs uniform as well as to hope for a rocking second half and quick recovery.