The Chicago Cubs recently revealed a special patch on their uniforms to honor Ryne Sandberg, who passed away at 65. Sandberg, a legend who graced 10 All-Star teams during his time with the Cubs, retired in 1997. The patch, featuring a red number 23—the number Sandberg wore—alongside his signature in white, rests above the Cubs logo on the sleeve of their uniforms.
A touching video shared by the Cubs on social media showed the patch being meticulously sewn onto the uniforms ahead of their game against Milwaukee. As part of the tribute, the team sported T-shirts during warmups that read, “FO23VER.” Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed the bittersweet nature of the moment, saying, “It’s sad because it kind of hits home I think a little more, but in the other way, you want to honor Ryno the best we can.”
Last year, while Sandberg was battling cancer, the Cubs honored him with a statue outside Wrigley Field, showing him in his iconic defensive stance. Counsell reminisced about the unveiling ceremony from June 2024, reflecting on the significance of that day. “I was thinking about the day the statue was unveiled,” he said, recalling it as his favorite memory as part of the Cubs.
Sandberg boasted an impressive career with the Cubs, batting .285, hitting 282 home runs, and stealing 344 bases over 15 years. His stellar performance in 1984 earned him the title of National League MVP. Though he began with the Philadelphia Phillies, Sandberg was traded to the Cubs in January 1982, where he left an indelible mark.
In other team news, the Cubs decided to designate pitcher Chris Flexen for assignment before facing the Brewers. To fill the gap, they called up right-hander Gavin Hollowell from Triple-A Iowa. Flexen, 31, had started the season strong but struggled recently, giving up 15 runs in just over 14 innings across his last five games.
Counsell acknowledged the difficulty of the decision regarding Flexen, noting, “It wasn’t a fun conversation. It never is.” He commended Flexen for his contributions, recognizing the challenging nature of such decisions in the world of sports. “Chris has been a contributor on this team,” Counsell added, emphasizing the sometimes harsh realities of team dynamics.
The team continues to navigate the season, balancing tributes to past legends like Sandberg with the present challenges of maintaining a competitive roster. As they move forward, the Cubs aim to honor Sandberg’s legacy while striving for success on the field. The impact of Sandberg’s career and character remains a guiding light for the team and its fans.
