Ryne Sandberg’s Children Sue Widow Over Trust Dispute

Children of Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg have filed a lawsuit against his widow, alleging mismanagement of his trust. Justin Sandberg and Lindsey Sandberg claim that their stepmother, Margaret Sandberg, is attempting to assume control of the trust. This trust oversees Ryne Sandberg’s name, image, and likeness rights.

The lawsuit, filed in April in Lake County Circuit Court, asserts that these actions by Margaret Sandberg go against Ryne’s intentions. He envisioned a collaborative arrangement between his second wife and his biological children. The lawsuit raises concerns about shifting trust control to Margaret, her son, and the family’s financial advisor.

This legal action was reported by the Sun-Times. Attorneys for the siblings, Norm Finkel and Adam Hirsch, didn’t provide comments. Margaret Sandberg was also unavailable for comment.

Ryne Sandberg, known as “Ryno,” is celebrated for his performance on June 23, 1984. He hit dramatic home runs in the ninth and tenth innings of what became known as the “Sandberg Game.” He earned nine Gold Glove and seven Silver Slugger awards. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 and later pursued a managerial career.

Ryne Sandberg passed away last July at 65 from metastatic prostate cancer. Despite briefly being in remission, the cancer’s return was severe.

Before his death, Ryne left specific instructions in his trust for Margaret, Justin, and Lindsey to act as equal co-trustees. He married Margaret Koehnemann in 1995 after a previous marriage to Cindy.

“It would disappoint me if they were unable to make decisions on my NIL in a positive and collaborative manner,” Ryne Sandberg noted in his trust. He emphasized the importance of projects reflecting positively on his legacy and family.

However, the lawsuit accuses Margaret Sandberg of not cooperating with the siblings. She allegedly refused to sign necessary documents to open a new bank account for the trust and establish it, directly opposing Ryne’s wishes.

Margaret produced a document purportedly written by Ryne on July 16, shortly before his death. This note allegedly amended the trust to include her stepson and the family’s financial advisor as trustees.

The lawsuit contains a copy of this signed note, which has “N.I.L” at the top and “majority rules” at the bottom, listing five names in a new committee. The children argue that this note isn’t enforceable as it wasn’t given to them before his death per the trust’s requirements.

The suit also states Ryne lacked the capacity to make such changes due to his declining health. In the final weeks, during visits, his children reported he was heavily sedated and in significant pain. He was admitted to hospice care on July 20.

On the day the note was allegedly written, Ryne’s daughter heard him screaming in pain. His short-term memory was also reportedly failing.

The siblings request the court to declare the note invalid and compel their stepmother to establish the trust as originally planned. The next court hearing is scheduled for July 31.