Cubs Hall Of Famer Sandberg Announces Cancer Diagnosis

CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg has begun treatment for prostate cancer after the former National League MVP said he was diagnosed with the disease last week.

Sandberg, who was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, announced his diagnosis in an Instagram post on Monday.

"To my Chicago Cubs, National Baseball Hall of Fame, extended Baseball Family, the city of Chicago, and all my loyal fans, I want to share some personal news." Sandberg wrote in a post on Instagram. "Last week, I learned that I have been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer."

The post continued, "I have begun treatment, and I am surrounded by my loving wife Margaret, our incredibly supportive family, the best medical care team, and our dear friends," Sandberg wrote. "We will continue to be positive, strong, and fight to beat this. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time for me and my family."

The 64-year-old Sandberg played the majority of his 16-year Major League career with the Cubs. Sandberg was a 10-time All-Star as well as a winner of nine Gold Glove Awards, seven Silver Slugger Awards, and the 1984 National League Most Valuable Player Award.

Sandberg went on to manage parts of three seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. He had his No. 23 retired by the Cubs and is slated to have a statue bearing his likeness added to the collection of those honoring former Cubs greats outside of Wrigley Field.

Sandberg ranks third in Cubs franchise history in runs scored (1,316), fourth in games (2,151), hits (2,385), doubles (403) and stolen bases (344), and fifth in homers (282) and total bases (3,786). He registered 30 stolen bases five times, hit 25 of more home runs in six seasons and scored at least 100 runs seven times.