Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts has greenlit a $15.6 million project to erect a bronze statue of Ryne Sandberg outside Wrigley Field—an enduring tribute to a Cubs legend whose influence both on and off the field remains unmatched. This impressive investment reflects the depth of Sandberg’s legacy and the organization’s commitment to preserving the history that defines Cubs baseball.
🛠️ Crafting a Legacy in Bronze
Unveiled on June 23, 2024—the 40th anniversary of the famed “Sandberg Game”—the statue was sculpted by Lou Cella of Rotblatt-Amrany and stands in Catedralic detail on Gallagher Way, becoming the fifth Cubs icon immortalized in bronze . Sandberg personally influenced the final design to reflect his essence on the field: crouched and alert, glove ready, with flip-down sunglasses—a nod to his defensive prowess and signature style .
🎉 A Moment of Community and Reflection
The June ceremony was more than a celebration of baseball greatness; it was a testament to community, family, and resilience. The crowd spilled from Gallagher Way toward Clark Street as thousands of fans gathered, joined by former teammates, family, and present-day Cubs players on the stadium concourse, all paying homage to Sandberg . Notable figures in attendance included broadcaster Bob Costas, Hall of Famers Ferguson Jenkins, Andre Dawson, Billy Williams—and even Bill Murray, the Cubs’ affable celebrity superfan .
Sandberg—who had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer earlier in the year and had recently entered remission—delivered a heartfelt speech. He emphasized that the ceremony was “about love, life, family and friends” and acknowledged how the ride his cancer journey brought “astonishing” support from fans, teammates, and long-lost acquaintances .
⚾ The “Sandberg Game” & Hall of Fame Career
The statue’s unveiling paid tribute to more than the man—it honored one of baseball’s most iconic moments. On June 23, 1984, Sandberg launched two dramatic game-tying home runs, once in the ninth and again in the tenth inning, to secure a 12-11 win over St. Louis and signal the Cubs’ emergence as contenders . That performance secured him the NL MVP award and remains etched in baseball lore as the “Sandberg Game.”
Over a 16-year career exclusively with the Cubs, Sandberg compiled a .285 batting average, 282 homers, and 344 stolen bases. He earned nine consecutive Gold Gloves, seven Silver Sluggers, ten All-Star nods, and was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2005 .
🎙️ Fan & Media Reactions
Reddit fans gushed about the emotional resonance of the day:
“My baseball hero growing up… Glad he’s cancer free.”
“It’s all about the relationships… there’s a lot of them. … That’s what I’m talking about, how special it is.”
Another praised the club’s decision to immortalize only the most iconic figures:
“The Sandberg statue was overdue… [now] the perfect five representatives”
🏛️ Why It Matters
- A historic investment: The $15.6 million statue is a major public art commitment, underscoring the gravity of Sandberg’s legacy.
- Cultural anchoring: Placed among Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Billy Williams, and Ferguson Jenkins, the statue ensures that future generations understand Sandberg’s place in Cubs lore.
- Symbol of triumph: It celebrates both his athletic feats and his personal victory over illness, highlighting how his resilience resonates with fans.
- Community connection: The statue embodies the bond between the team, the city, and an enduring legend.
🎯 Concluding Thoughts
With this statue towering over Gallagher Way, the Cubs have given fans more than a memorial—they’ve created a tangible link between generations. It stands as a tribute not just to Sandberg’s excellence but to the spirit of perseverance, defense, and heart that defines both him and the city of Chicago. By investing $15.6 million in this monument, Tom Ricketts and the Cubs have said unequivocally: Ryne Sandberg isn’t just remembered—he’s forever part of Wrigley’s foundation.
