Family, friends and fans pay tribute to Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg

CHICAGO (WGN) — A stirring farewell to a Chicago Sports icon, as mourners paid tribute to the late Ryne Sandberg, who was remembered at a private memorial service Friday.

Fans of the Cub legend, who lost his battle to prostate cancer last month, watched the memorial service on the Jumbotron at Gallagher Way. Sandberg’s family, closest friends, and former teammates gathered in the West Loop to honor his memory and speak publicly about their loss.

“Pray for peace and for ‘Pappy’ to always watch over us and protect us,” said one of Sandberg’s grandchildren as each spoke about their grandfather and his courageous fight against cancer.

At Chicago’s Old St. Pat’s Church, the site for an emotional tribute was also filled with laughter.

“He was a humble man, and he lifted us up with his smile and a beautiful, beautiful heart,” said Father Thomas J. Hurley.

“He said, ‘Listen Father, I want you to convert me to Catholicism and I want to convert you to be a Cubs fan.'”

Attendees remembered Ryne Sandberg’s sense of humor and his Hall-of-Fame career, including 10 All-Star games in 16 Major League Baseball seasons. 

Broadcaster Bob Costas pointed to the 1984 game, with its rollercoaster lead changes and ‘Ryno’s’ remarkable performance, which gave him and the Cubs a national presence.  

“WGN had become a superstation, so now, there were Cubs fans all over the country,” Costas said. “Harry Carey had come over from the South Side, Father, bringing with him a certain measure of personality.”

Sandberg’s MVP season and hard-nosed play, decades later, still drew a crowd as Cubs fans got to pay their respects at Wrigley’s Gallagher Way.

“This is our last chance with Ryan,” said one fan.

“When he talked to fans, he talked to you like he knew you forever,” said Rick Carmichael. “Never shy about signing an autograph, always pleasant. He worked hard with everything he did to earn the respect of everybody.”