Ryne Sandberg death: Chicago Cubs honor late Hall of Fame second baseman with blank #23 jerseys, raise money for cancer research
Share this @internewscast.com

Saturday marked the second annual Cubs for a Cure event, with the Chicago Cubs dedicating their efforts to combat cancer while dealing with their own personal losses.

Earlier this week, Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg died after a battle with cancer.

The Cubs honored their friend while trying to help all those who are fighting now.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The tributes have been pouring in all week at Wrigley Field, showing how much “Ryno” meant to the fanbase.

The Cubs continue to honor him in many ways while also pushing their fundraising goals in the fight against cancer.

The iconic number 23 was prominently displayed throughout Wrigley Field, paying tribute to Sandberg. Cubs players donned his retired number as the entire organization came together to support cancer research through fundraising initiatives.

“This was intended as a significant day for raising cancer research funds, and the loss of Ryne this week intertwined these efforts,” stated Crane Kenney, the Cubs’ president of business operations.

The Cubs said 100% of the funds raised are going to research, with the organization setting a goal of $1 million.

READ MORE | Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg dies after cancer battle

Prior to the game, the team paid tribute to cancer survivors, creating unforgettable experiences for individuals like Robbie Crowell. Now 35, Crowell fought cancer until age 9 and had the honor of throwing the first pitch and meeting his favorite player, Pete Crow-Armstrong.

“Oh my God, it was amazing,” Crowell said. “This has been an opportunity of a lifetime that I never think would happen. It’s amazing.”

All of it made for a special atmosphere as people remembered how much Sandberg means to the fanbase.

“Ryno was one of our Mt. Rushmore guys,” Kenney said. “He lived in Chicago. So much like Ernie banks and Ron Santo. He was here all the time.”

It was a special day all around at the ballpark.

“We were not only teammates but also close friends,” shared Jody Davis, a former teammate. “Ryno and I shared a room during his rookie year and often went fishing together. We lived in the same neighborhood, and he was genuinely a great friend.”

As of Saturday afternoon, the Cubs said they have raised at least $1.5 million, surpassing the fundraising goal. Donations are still being taken.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago crash: 1 arrested in attempt to hit federal agents in vehicle near Ogden, 26th Street in Little Village, Cicero police say

Chicago Incident: Suspect Arrested in Alleged Vehicle Assault on Federal Agents in Little Village, Cicero

CHICAGO — In a dramatic incident on Chicago’s Southwest Side on Wednesday…
Charlotte man charged with Iryna Zarutska’s killing could face death penalty

Charlotte Resident Faces Potential Death Penalty in Connection with Iryna Zarutska’s Murder

The heart-wrenching case of Iryna Zarutska’s murder has taken a significant legal…
Cheerleader dies after being shot at high school bonfire, remembered for having 'spunk to her step'

Tragic Loss: Beloved Cheerleader Fatally Shot at High School Bonfire, Celebrated for Her Spirited Legacy

Tragedy struck a high school gathering in Pinson, Alabama, when a young…
Chicago teacher accused of mocking Charlie Kirk’s assassination portrayed as victim by school principal

Chicago Educator Allegedly Mocks Charlie Kirk Assassination, School Principal Defends Her Actions

The principal of a Chicago elementary school appeared to frame a controversial…
NYC mayoral candidates clash bitterly during final debate

Final NYC Mayoral Debate Sparks Heated Exchanges Among Candidates

NEW YORK (AP) — During the heated final debate in New York…
Man linked to Hamas attack on Israel indicted in Louisiana for conspiring to support terrorist group

Louisiana Man Charged with Conspiracy in Connection to Hamas Attack on Israel

A Louisiana resident has been formally charged in connection with the October…
Illegal immigrant trucker accused in fatal California crash released by Biden admin after 2022 border crossing

Immigrant Trucker Involved in Fatal California Accident Released by Biden Administration Following 2022 Border Entry

A 21-year-old man from India, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022…
Vladimir Kramnik: Former world chess champion may face discipline for treatment of Daniel Naroditsky

Controversy Strikes: Vladimir Kramnik’s Conduct Under Scrutiny in Daniel Naroditsky Dispute

On Wednesday, the global chess governing authority announced it is contemplating disciplinary…
Broadway musicians reach tentative labor deal, averting a strike

Broadway Musicians Secure Tentative Labor Agreement, Preventing Potential Strike

NEW YORK (AP) — In a significant move to keep the show…
Former mayor stabbed outside blue state business, suspect with multiple arrests charged

Ex-Mayor Stabbed Outside Business in Blue State: Repeat Offender Charged in High-Profile Incident

A former Massachusetts mayor sustained injuries from a stabbing incident outside his…
Melodee Buzzard: Timeline of investigation into missing 9-year-old girl from Santa Barbara, California

Investigative Timeline: The Disappearance of 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard from Santa Barbara, California

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has stepped in to assist in the…
Immigrant rights group calls for removing pregnant women from detention

Advocacy Group Urges Release of Expectant Mothers from Detention Facilities

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Pregnant women detained by U.S. immigration authorities…