The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs share what is blooming into an intense, at times bitter rivalry as they vie for control of the NL Central. Hosting the foes’ first clash of the second half, the Brewers stormed back for an 8-4 win on Monday to retake the division lead. Ahead of game two, however, the two sides will effectively call a truce as American Family Field holds a moment of silence for Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, who succumbed to cancer yesterday at age 65. Responding to the announcement, Chicago fans on social media expressed appreciation for the gesture.
Milwaukee Brewers honor beloved Cubs icon, one of baseball’s best in Ryne Sandberg
The tribute is scheduled for 6:26 CT, 14 minutes before first pitch, per Bruce Levine of Chicago station 670 The Score. Despite the teams’ tension on the field and between fanbases, the moment will be one to put aside those feelings to recognize one of the game’s greats.
Aside from six plate appearances with the Phillies as a rookie, Sandberg was a Cub for his whole career (1981-1997). The 10-time All-Star won an MVP in 1984. An incarnation of pure hitting, power, and speed, Sanderg stole 30-plus bases each of his first five seasons, including 54 in 1985.
Five years later, he led the league with 40 homeruns while batting .306. He won the Silver Slugger Award seven times.
Not only could Sandberg swing the bat, he also flashed a Golden Glove, taking home nine such trophies. Sure-handed as they come, he converted his fielding chances at a league-best rate four different times. In 1983, he orchestrated an NL-best 126 double plays.
Always available, Sandberg appeared in at least 150 games 10 times from 1982-92. He finished his career batting .285 with 282 homeruns, 1318 runs scored, 344 steals, and 67.9 Wins Above Replacement. A franchise legend, Sandberg was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2005.
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer over year and a half ago, Sandberg recovered from treatment last August before the cancer returned several months later. The Cubs announced yesterday that he died at home in the company of family members.
Thank you, @Brewers 🥹
— Gavin Scarlett (@AutiSparkx) July 29, 2025
Respect
— SleeperCubs (@SleeperCubs) July 29, 2025
Classy move by the Brewers organization.
— JC (@cubanrican71) July 29, 2025
After lineup cards are exchanged, Quinn Priester will take the mound against former Brewers pitcher Colin Rea for the Cubs.
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