Ryne Sandberg, Cubs Legend and MLB Hall of Famer, Says Cancer Has Returned, Spread

Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg announced Tuesday that his prostate cancer has "relapsed" and "spread to other organs."

"This means that I'm back to more intensive treatment," he said. "We will continue to be positive, strong, and fight to beat this. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for me and my family."

Sandberg first revealed his cancer diagnosis this past January. He followed up in August to say he was cancer-free.

Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts called Sandberg "an inspiration to cancer survivors everywhere" in a statement Tuesday, per The Athletic's Patrick Mooney.

"I know all Cubs fans join my family and me in sending positive thoughts to Ryne and keeping him and his family in our prayers as he faces this next round of treatments to defeat cancer," Ricketts said. "Ryne has the heart and soul of a champion and that will serve him well in this challenge."

Sandberg spent his entire 16-year career with the Cubs. His 68.0 WAR are third-most in franchise history behind Cap Anson and Ron Santo, per Baseball Reference. He also has the fourth-most appearances (2,151) and hits (2,385)

The Hall of Fame second baseman's best year came in 1984, when he finished with 19 home runs, 84 RBI and a .314/.367/.520 slash line en route to winning National League Most Valuable Player. He also slugged .474 in the NLCS that year as Chicago lost to the San Diego Padres in five games.

In addition to his MVP, Sandberg retired with 10 All-Star appearances, nine Gold Gloves and seven Silver Sluggers.

The Cubs unveiled a statue of the 65-year-old outside Wrigley Field in June. He was on hand for the festivities despite his ongoing cancer battle.

"This was a guarantee for me," he said. "I reverted back to my baseball days of having goals and my attitude of working towards something. That's what I've done."