CHICAGO — More than four months have passed since the legendary Ryne Sandberg passed away at the age of 65, but the longing is still evident in every word his wife, Margaret Sandberg, tells. In an emotional interview, Margaret couldn’t hold back her tears as she recalled the unfulfilled promises, the everyday moments, and the enduring love Ryne had for her.
“He promised me that every year at the end of the season, he would take me to all the baseball fields where he played… I still feel this regret, but at the same time, I feel happy because every moment of that will forever be in my heart,” Margaret shared with tears in her eyes…
That moment moved everyone who listened, because their story was not just about baseball — but also a testament to love, connection, and timeless promises.
Ryne Sandberg, the Chicago Cubs icon, was one of the greatest shortstops in MLB history, with 10 All-Star, 9 Gold Glove, and a career admired by many. But for Margaret, he was not only a legend on the field, but also a devoted husband, father, and irreplaceable companion.
After Ryne was diagnosed with a serious illness, Margaret became her strongest support. “He always told me, ‘We’re all together, Margaret. We’re going to all the ballparks I’ve ever loved,’” Margaret recalled. His passing left a huge void, but also motivated Margaret to continue living, preserving Ryne’s legacy and beautiful memories.
The baseball community across the United States could not hide their emotions. Images of Margaret hugging her husband in old photos, along with words shared about love, made Ryne’s fans and former teammates express deep sympathy. Many shared that they saw themselves in Margaret’s story — the other half of the legend’s heart, resilient, but full of emotion.
“I know he always wanted me to live on, enjoy every day and not forget the joy that baseball brought,” Margaret said, her eyes shining with tears…
These words are not only memories, but also inspiration for all who loved Ryne Sandberg. From Chicago to Philadelphia, from MLB ballparks to fans around the world, this story of love and loss is being told as proof that alongside the legends on the field, there are always real people, with warm and loving hearts.
Over the past four months, Margaret has carried out many memorial activities, from participating in MLB charity events to writing a diary of beautiful moments with Ryne. Each page, each story, reminds everyone of the power of love, connection and legacy that a legend leaves not only on the field but also in the lives of people around him.
For Margaret, each unfulfilled promise remains alive: trips to the ballparks that Ryne conquered will not only be a physical journey, but a journey of love, memories and tears filled with happiness and regret. And that story — of a legend and his resilient wife — will continue to thrill the baseball world for years to come.
