Legendary Chicago Cubs second basemen and Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg shared a somber update on his prostate cancer diagnosis Tuesday.
"Unfortunately, we recently learned the cancer has relapsed and it has spread to other organs," Sandberg said in a social media post. "I'm back to more intensive treatment."
Sandberg ended the message by saying he will "continue to be positive, strong and fight to beat this." Sandberg's full message can be found below.
Get Tri-state area news delivered to your inbox.> Sign up for NBC New York's News Headlines newsletter.
The Cubs released a statement following Sandberg's message, saying he is an "inspiration to cancer survivors everywhere."
"Ryne has the heart and soul of a champion, and that will serve him well in this challenge," the message, signed by Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts, went on to say.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) December 10, 2024
MLB
The update comes approximately five months after Sandberg said on 670 the Score that he had finished treatment, with "no cancer detected."
An emotional Ryne Sandberg has a wonderful health update to share.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) August 15, 2024
He had his last treatment for prostate cancer this morning, and tests came back "great" with no cancer detected.
“It’s very manageable going forward,” Sandberg says.
Donate: https://t.co/Kngb9UeZE7 pic.twitter.com/RkWioLIjDp
In the interview, Sandberg was emotional as he revealed he underwent his final treatment hours before. At 11:30 a.m. -- two hours before his scheduled radio appearance -- his doctor informed him there was "no cancer detected" in the body.
"It's incredible," Sandberg said at the time. "The doctors, nurses, like I said, the support, it's been quite the journey. But it's all come to a good conclusion here, so tears of joy are happening."
Sandberg was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in January, according to a statement, and underwent chemotherapy and other treatments for the disease.
Sandberg is a legendary figure in Cubs history, having been acquired by the club from the Philadelphia Phillies in January 1982. He won the 1984 National League MVP Award, and during his career he was a 10-time All-Star, a seven-time Silver Slugger winner and a nine-time Gold Glove winner.
The Cubs unveiled a statue of Sandberg at Wrigley Field earlier this summer and honored him with a special ceremony emceed by Bob Costas.
