The roped-off area around Ryne Sandberg’s statue featured piles of flowers already stacking up. Visitors also left Chicago Cubs hats, baseballs with written messages, notes, and even a

Hall of Fame Chicago Cubs slugger and second baseman Ryne Sandberg has died, following a battle with prostate cancer.

Big career ahead.” That’s how longtime Tribune reporter Jerome Holtzman described a recently acquired Chicago Cub Ryne Sandberg in April 1982. “Outstanding all-around athlete, with excellent instincts in all departments,