MESA, Ariz. \u2014 In the quiet moments on a 75-degree day at the beginning of Chicago Cubs camp earlier this month, Ryne Sandberg leaned against the cage taking in batting practice.<\/p>\n
To the Baseball Hall of Famer\u2019s left stood shortstop Dansby Swanson, the two sharing notes on spring training strategies and how to prepare as a hitter over the course of the six weeks to be ready for the start of the season. Sandberg has been a near-annual presence at Cubs\u2019 spring training since he retired following the 1997 season, which capped a 15-year playing career with the organization.<\/p>\n
Sandberg, who was a three-sport star at North Central High School who made his MLB debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1981, was not able to attend camp last year while undergoing treatment for metastatic prostate cancer, announcing his diagnosis in January 2024. He expects to be around the Cubs more regularly this spring.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019d be surprised the similarity of conversations and what the players think about parallel with what I think about,\u201d Sandberg said earlier this month. \u201cEvery now and then I can throw something in that\u2019s maybe slightly different, but it\u2019s just talking the game of baseball. It\u2019s a way to come out here and gain as much knowledge and get the baseball juices flowing. To get my fill of baseball and to do it with the anticipation of being at Wrigley Field with this group is very meaningful to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sandberg, 65, publicly revealed in early December that his prostate cancer relapsed and spread to other organs, prompting more intensive treatment. At the time of his initial diagnosis, Sandberg wanted to serve as an advocate in the fight against prostate cancer, echoing the need to get regular medical checkups for early detection.<\/p>\n
\u201cReach out to anybody that they might know that\u2019s in a medical need like that for support and positive vibes,\u201d Sandberg said. \u201cI\u2019ve learned modern medicine does wonders, and I\u2019m able to not miss a beat all last year and do what I want to do with modern medicine, and I continue to do that here in spring training and trips and travel, enjoy the family and all that. So that\u2019s the other side of it, is that just being on top of things medically.\u201d<\/p>\n
His treatment plan hasn\u2019t stopped Sandberg from being around the team, though. He returned to Chicago last week for his next round but already has scheduled trips back and forth \u2014 including being part of the organization\u2019s contingent that will travel to Japan for the Tokyo Series in mid-March as it coincides with a break in treatment \u2014 and will be around for most of spring so he can be with the team as much as possible as the Cubs prepare for the season.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe support has been continual for over a year now, it\u2019s been incredible,\u201d Sandberg said. \u201cLast year, going to games at Wrigley Field, what medicine that is to go and be around that. Now spring training, it\u2019s nice to be out here and be in the sunshine.\u201d<\/p>\n
A notable alumni contingent was around camp recently, with Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins and Cubs legends Mark Grace, Shawon Dunston and Rick Sutcliffe joining Sandberg at the complex. Manager Craig Counsell noted it would be smart for current players to take advantage of opportunities to talk to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told the players, people like Ryno, a Hall of Famer, they make an impact when they step in the room,\u201d Counsell said. \u201cAnd that\u2019s what Ryno\u2019s done for us already. He\u2019s made an impact and we\u2019re thankful for that.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Sandberg reflected on the last few months, the reception he received from fans when he was introduced on the opening night of the Cubs Convention still causes a smile to pop on his face. He called the standing ovation \u201cuplifting\u201d and it reminded him of the reaction he received every time he crossed paths with fans at Wrigley last year or was shown on the scoreboard during games.<\/p>\n
After his statue was unveiled in Gallagher Way last June on the 40th anniversary of \u201cThe Sandberg Game,\u201d he would sometimes stroll by it as summer faded, watching as fans posed for pictures with the permanent embodiment of his greatness.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll never forget that day and what that all means,\u201d Sandberg said. \u201cI take a peek every now and then.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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