Red Sox broadcaster, ex-player Remy dies at 68

Jerry Remy, a former player for the Boston Red Sox who later became part of the broadcast booth covering the team for NESN, died Saturday night at the age of 68.

Remy had stepped away from his role as a NESN analyst for Red Sox games on Aug. 4 to undergo treatment for lung cancer. He said at the time that “as I’ve done before and will continue to do so, I will battle this with everything I have.”

He returned to throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Oct. 5 when the Red Sox faced the New York Yankees in the American League Wild Card Game. He was brought out to the field on a cart and, while using an oxygen tank, threw out the pitch to Dennis Eckersley, his former teammate and one of his broadcast booth partners.

“Jerry Remy grew up in Massachusetts rooting for the Red Sox and lived his dream as a player and beloved broadcaster with the team. He forged a personal connection with Boston fans and inspired many with his fight against cancer. The Players Association joins Jerry’s family, friends and fans in mourning his loss,” the MLB Players Association said in a statement.

Remy was initially diagnosed with lung cancer in 2008. He suffered relapses multiple times, including this year.

Former teammate Fred Lynn was among those to pay tribute to Remy on social media, tweeting: “I lost a great teammate and friend today. A true gamer and important part of all of Red Sox Nation. R.I.P. Remdog.”

Don Orsillo, his one-time broadcast partner with NESN, tweeted: “Thank you for 21 years of friendship. I am nowhere today without you. Showed me the right @MLB way. I know I will text you 3 times a day still. I am lost. #RIPRem @RedSox @NESN.”

Remy, who was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, on Nov. 8, 1952, played second base for the Red Sox from 1978 to 1984 and joined the NESN booth in 1988, becoming a beloved broadcaster for the franchise.

He was selected to his lone All-Star Game in 1978 when he hit .278 with 24 doubles, 6 triples, 2 home runs and 33 RBIs. He also stole 30 bases.

Remy began his major league career with the California Angels in 1975 and spent his first three seasons with that organization. Overall, he hit .275 with 140 doubles, 38 triples, 7 home runs and 399 RBIs. He also had 208 stolen bases during his 10 years in the majors.

Source: Read Full Article