CHICAGO — Renowned Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg has revealed that his prostate cancer, which he believed had been eradicated following radiation treatment, has unfortunately resurfaced and spread.

The former Chicago Cubs star shared this distressing news via his Instagram account on Tuesday. Earlier this year, in January, Sandberg disclosed that he had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, and in August, he announced that he was cancer-free after undergoing both chemotherapy and radiation therapies.

In his recent post, Sandberg expressed, “Regrettably, we have recently discovered that the cancer has returned and has metastasized to other organs. This indicates that I must now undergo more intensive treatments. We will strive to maintain a positive outlook, remain strong, and continue to fight this battle. I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers directed towards me and my family.”

A celebrated figure in baseball, Sandberg was named the National League MVP in 1984 and earned All-Star honors ten times during his impressive 15-year tenure with the Cubs from 1982 to 1997, during which he hit 282 home runs and stole 344 bases. Following his playing days, he took on the managerial role with the Philadelphia Phillies from 2013 to 2015, finishing with a record of 119-159.

This summer, the Cubs paid tribute to him by unveiling a statue in his honor outside Wrigley Field.

Cubs owner Tom Ricketts praised Sandberg in a statement on Tuesday, stating, “Ryne serves as an inspiration for cancer survivors everywhere. I am sure that all Cubs fans, along with my family and me, are sending positive thoughts to Ryne and keeping him and his family in our prayers as he faces this new phase of treatment in his fight against cancer. Ryne possesses the heart and spirit of a champion, qualities that will undoubtedly support him in meeting this challenge.”