by Kim Pham
Jon Lester knew everything. The second he let go of the 96-mph fastball, Lester knew. As it flew past the Royals' Alberto Callaspo to strike him out, Boston catcher Jason Varitek knew. And when the Sox dugout stormed the mound to congratulate the 24-year-old lefty, all of Red Sox Nation knew; Jon Lester had just pitched an incredible no-hitter.
Just months ago, Lester's future was shrouded in questions. During the off season, no one was even sure where he would be going; the Sox were practically offering him to Minnesota for Johan Santana. And before that, Lester wasn't even sure if he would live to see another day. The diagnosis of cancer almost eliminated Lester's life, let alone a career of pitching for the major leagues. He had been diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, forcing him to miss the end of the 2006 season. After months of treatment and aggressive chemotherapy, he was declared cancer-free, but many doubted Lester could regain his strength and prowess on the mound.
His emotional Major League comeback last July marked the return of Jon Lester, the bright prospect of the Red Sox. And despite a roller coaster year of inconsistent performances, he pitched the World Series clincher against Colorado for the Sox last fall, earning them their 2007 Championship. And on that fateful Monday night of May 19, Lester shut down Kansas City 7-0 for the first no-hitter in the majors this season.
No one saw it coming. For the thousands of fans who tuned in or showed up at Fenway, it seemed like just another game. In the midst of famous franchise names and less understated pitchers, Lester has remained under the radar for the most part of this season. But as soon as seventh inning hit, Sox supporters were already on their feet cheering for Lester's amazing pitching. The celebration at the ballpark was worlds away from the somber scene almost two years ago, when Lester had first been diagnosed with cancer. Instead of fading into obscurity as the pitcher who “would have” been great, he earned his title as the first Red Sox lefty to have pitched a no-hitter. In a truly inspirational fashion, Lester bounced back, much to the delight of Boston and much to the chagrin of Kansas City.
For someone his age, Lester has accomplished some amazing feats. He has played for a major league baseball team (and not just any, the Boston Red Sox!), battled cancer successfully, regained his strength and pitching skills, won a World Series Championship, and pitched a no-hitter; he's only 24. It's really heartwarming for fans nationwide to see such a talented and deserving guy smash records out on the mound, especially after just surviving cancer. Here's to the inspiration that is Jon Lester; let’s hope he stays around Boston for a very long time.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Great peg and terrific lede. What a story.
Don't just compliment him on his achievement, forward your opinion on the issues it provokes. Lester as a cancer survivor and inspiration? You mention this as a conclusion at the end of the post, but expand on what you think ought to be done? Jon Lester Day? The Jon Lester Wing of he Dana Farber Center? How could this event and young man be promoted for the benefit of others?
Comment, don't just compliment.
Post a Comment