The dream of every kid on every ball field in America is to someday play in the major leagues. It's among the most innocent of our childhood dreams, to play big-league ball like the heroes we watched on TV and heard on the radio. For a chosen few, those dreams become a reality.
Jon Lester is one of those chosen few. He got the call last year to pitch for the Boston Red Sox, making his debut on June 10th against the Texas Rangers. The 6' 2'' southpaw made the most of his opportunity, the convergence of years of hard work and good fortune culminating in a dream come true. Lester became the first rookie left-handed pitcher in Red Sox history to win his first 5 decisions, eventually compiling a 7-2 record with a 4.76 ERA in 15 starts . It seemed he had the world in the palm of his hand, he was living the dream.
Then came another call. In late August, Lester was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Jon Lester had cancer. The dream was over as he prepared for the fight of his life. Lester would undergo treatment for the next few months, and by early December it was announced that the latest CT scans showed no signs of the disease. He was given a 2nd chance.
At the start of the 2007 season, Lester found himself working his way back through the minor leagues. He started in class A Greenville before moving to AAA Pawtucket. He was 4-5 with a 3.89 ERA in 14 starts for the AAA PawSox. And then came the call again. This time it was not the doctors, but the Red Sox. He was back.
Tonight Jon Lester will start against the Cleveland Indians – his first major league start since being diagnosed with cancer. The reality of the situation may not fully sink in until he toes the rubber in the 1st inning, but compared to his fight with cancer the Cleveland Indians will be a walk in the park.
Good luck and welcome back Jon Lester. I'll be cheering for you.
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