Chicago fans gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, with tributes pouring in from those who knew him best.
The service for Sandberg, affectionately known as “Ryno,” was held at Old Saint Patrick’s Church in Chicago, and a large crowd at nearby Wrigley Field kept vigil on a video screen outside as the Cubs legend was remembered by family, friends, and fellow baseball greats. Clergy members who participated wore liturgical stoles bearing the Cubs logo, Sandberg’s number 23, and the team’s red and blue colors in a checker pattern along the bottom of their vestments.
Legendary broadcaster Bob Costas offered reflections on Sandberg’s character and his impact on the game, praising the reverence for tradition and the example Sandberg set for both players and fans.
Sandberg’s family shared touching moments too. Lindsay Sandberg, Ryne’s daughter, spoke of learning from him to love, to laugh, to compete, and to stay honest, hard-working, decent, loyal, and respectful.
After the service, fans at Wrigley Field walked through a memorial celebrating many of Sandberg’s accomplishments, a tribute that extended beyond the Cubs to the broader baseball community. Cubs fans and attendees noted that the outpouring was felt across the sport, with mentions of other baseball greats like Frank Thomas and Joe Torre among those in attendance.
The gathering underscored Sandberg’s enduring legacy as a leader on the field and a respected figure off it, with the tributes reflecting the deep respect he earned from colleagues, opponents, and fans alike.
Summary: Ryne Sandberg’s farewell brought together family, fellow players, and fans in a cross-baseball tribute that highlighted his leadership, character, and lasting impact on the game, both with the Cubs and beyond.
Additional note: Sandberg’s stature as a Hall of Fame figure and his influence on Chicago’s baseball culture were evident in the outpouring of memories and the cross-generational appreciation shared by attendees. The event reinforced how one player’s work ethic and sportsmanship can inspire fans long after retirement.