Sox broadcaster Remy diagnosed with cancer again
Jerry Remy, the longtime color commentator for Red Sox broadcasts, has been diagnosed with cancer for the sixth time.
NESN announced yesterday in a statement, “Jerry Remy has been diagnosed once again with cancer. At this time, Jerry’s focus is on his medical treatment. The thoughts and prayers of all of us at NESN and the Red Sox are with Jerry and his family during this difficult time.”
The regional sports network and the 65-year-old Remy have not determined plans for the announcer’s longterm future in the broadcast booth in light of the diagnosis.
The Fall River native has called Red Sox games for the past three decades, but has decreased his workload somewhat as he continued to battle returning lung cancer.
Remy had been fighting the disease on and off for a decade, wrapping up a round of treatment earlier this year. He had bounced back, finishing treatment in January, he tweeted at the time. Remy has been in the booth for many games this year, including the three of four Yankees games NESN televised this past weekend.
The Red Sox official account tweeted, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Jerry. Keep fighting!” Accompanying that was a photo of the evermustachioed Remy walking out of the Red Sox dugout as he was honored recently at Fenway Park.
Though Remy’s long-term TV plans are still to be determined, he won’t call any games this week. NESN told the Herald that former Red Sox infielder Steve Lyons will cover games this week on the road in Toronto and Baltimore.
Remy played in the majors from 1974 through 1985, first with the California Angels before being traded to Boston in 1978. The man affectionately known on the air as the Remdawg spent the rest of his playing career with his hometown team.
As the popular commentator became more of a celebrity, he wrote several children’s books and lent his name to some local restaurants.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora said last night the team is praying for Remy.
“Obviously, thoughts and prayers for Jerry. I just texted him. God is in control, and he’ll be back with us sooner rather than later,” Cora said before last night’s game in Toronto. “We’re going to miss him for now. We know that he’s going to be fine and he’s going to be back with us.”