Ryne Sandberg’s Children File Lawsuit Against His Widow Over Trust Dispute

Trust Dispute Involving Ryne Sandberg’s Legacy

Justin and Lindsey Sandberg, children of Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, have taken legal action against their stepmother, Margaret Sandberg. They allege she mishandled the trust related to their father’s name, image, and likeness rights by attempting to transfer control to herself, her son, and the family’s financial advisor. This move, according to the lawsuit filed in Lake County Circuit Court, directly contradicts the collaborative arrangement their father set up involving his second wife and their biological children.

Allegations of Trust Mismanagement

The lawsuit was first reported by the Sun-Times and remains pending legal comment from the attorneys, Norm Finkel and Adam Hirsch, who represent the siblings. Margaret Sandberg, Ryne Sandberg’s widow, has not commented on the issue. Ryne Sandberg had a profound impact on baseball history, notably for his performance in the ‘Sandberg Game’ on June 23, 1984, and was honored with nine Gold Gloves and seven Silver Slugger awards before his Baseball Hall of Fame induction in 2005. He passed away in July last year at 65, succumbing to metastatic prostate cancer.

Before passing, Ryne Sandberg outlined his wishes for Justin, Lindsey, and Margaret to act as equal co-trustees in managing his legacy. The lawsuit claims Margaret did not honor this by refusing to collaborate with his children or establish a banking account for the trust.

Contested Amendments to the Trust

Margaret Sandberg claimed Ryne Sandberg amended the trust shortly before his death by adding his stepson and financial advisor as trustees. However, the lawsuit challenges the validity of this note, citing it was not shared with the siblings as required and questions Ryne Sandberg’s mental capacity due to his health condition. His children reported that during their visits preceding his death, he was often heavily medicated and in severe pain, questioning his ability to make substantial legal decisions.

The lawsuit aims to have the court declare the note as not legally binding and to enforce the initial terms of the trust, urging Margaret to comply with its establishment. A hearing is scheduled for July 31.