Ryne Sandberg’s name will forever be etched in baseball history—his smooth glovework at second base, his 282 career home runs, and that unforgettable 1984 MVP season with the Cubs. But beyond the diamond, his life was shaped by the people who stood beside him through every triumph and trial. His story wasn’t just about stolen bases and All-Star appearances; it was about love, fatherhood, and the quiet moments that meant more than any standing ovation.
While fans remember him for turning double plays, those closest to him knew a different man, one who valued family above all else, whether he was coaching Little League, walking a daughter down the aisle, or holding a grandchild for the first time. That’s the Sandberg that the stats will never fully capture.
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The Love Stories of a Baseball Legend
Ryne Sandberg’s life off the field was as rich and layered as his Hall of Fame career. At the center of it all was his family, a blend of high-school sweethearts, second chances, and a love that endured even in his toughest battles. Sandberg’s first marriage was to ex-wife Cindy White, his high-school sweetheart. The couple tied the knot in 1979 and welcomed two children, Justin (son) and Lindsey (daughter), before their divorce in 1995. Justin followed in his dad’s athletic footsteps, playing Division I college baseball before becoming a doctor of physical therapy in Los Angeles. Lindsey, a soccer star, played for the University of North Carolina and even earned a spot on the U.S. women’s national team.
But it was Sandberg’s second act with Margaret Koehnemann that defined his later years. They married in 1995, the same year his divorce was finalized, and built a life together in Lake Bluff, Illinois. His second wife, Margaret, brought three kids from a previous marriage—B.R., Adriane, and Steven—into the fold, blending their families into a tight-knit unit. Sandberg often gushed about Margaret’s unwavering support, especially during his cancer battle. In a heartfelt Mother’s Day post in 2024, he called her his “rock” and “Team Captain,” crediting her for steering him through grueling treatments with grace. Together, they founded Ryno Kid Care, a charity reflecting their shared commitment to giving back.
A Grandfather’s Pride and a Family’s Goodbye
With great sadness, we share that Ryne Sandberg has passed away today. pic.twitter.com/LJJ0jGqSy5
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 29, 2025
Sandberg’s role as a grandfather was one of his greatest joys. With 11 grandchildren—Joshua, Micah, Eli, Brooklyn, Owen, Nathan, Weston, Adalyn, Bode, Stella, and Roman—he embraced the chaos and love of a big household. Photos on social media showed him cradling newborns, cheering at Little League games, and soaking up every moment. “Sunday morning granddaughter fix!” he once captioned a pic of Lindsey’s baby girl, a glimpse into his softer side.
When Sandberg revealed his metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis in January 2024, his family became his anchor. He praised Margaret for managing his care with military precision, and his kids rallied around him, sharing updates on his health journey. By July 2025, the cancer had returned aggressively, and on the 28th, surrounded by Margaret, their children, and grandkids, Sandberg passed away at home. The Cubs’ tribute, a jersey patch for the rest of the season, paled in comparison to the legacy he left behind: a man who cherished his loved ones as much as the game that made him famous.
Ryne Sandberg’s story wasn’t just about baseball; it was about reinvention, perseverance, and the quiet power of love. From a small-town kid in Spokane to a Cubs icon, he found his greatest victories not in home runs or Gold Gloves, but in the family who stood by him until the very end. And that, more than any statue outside Wrigley Field, is how he’ll be remembered.
