Chicago's beloved Wrigley Field has a new permanent fixture celebrating one of its greatest players. The Chicago Cubs recently revealed a statue commemorating Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg. Erected outside the famed ballpark, the bronze statue captures the baseball legend in his defensive stance, ready to field a grounder. As reported by ABC7 Chicago, the ceremony held on Sunday was charged with emotion, especially in light of the recent cancer struggle that Sandberg shared with the public earlier this year.

Happy Ryne Sandberg day to all who celebrate 🤩 pic.twitter.com/RV2AItvR3o

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 23, 2024

The statue dedication coincided with the 40th anniversary of Sandberg's iconic performance against St. Louis, known as the "Sandberg Game." The crowd, already packed around the stage an hour before the event, were joined by Sandberg's former teammates and current Cubs players who fittingly worked watching the ceremony into their pregame routine. Speaking to Chicago Sun-Times, Sandberg expressed gratitude for reaching this milestone, saying, "This was a guarantee for me," reflecting his determination to witness this moment despite his health challenges.

Sandberg's speech, as dtailed by Chicago Sun-Times, acknowledged the profound shifts in his life since 1984, stating, "My life changed a lot in 1984, but that's nothing compared to what happened six months ago." He emphasized that his thoughts today are on "love, life, family and friends."

The moment was also significant for Sandberg as it represented not just a personal triumph over health adversities but a celebration of the enduring support of the Cubs community. With his grandchildren pushing the unveiling button, the curtain dropped amidst confetti, revealing Sandberg's likeness, forever in position to take on the next play at Wrigley Field.