Five months after revealing his prostate cancer diagnosis, Wade Boggs has delivered the news fans were hoping for: He is cancer free.
The Hall of Fame third baseman announced the news on social media on Friday, writing: « An extremely emotional day I can’t thank my doctor’s Dr. Engleman and Dr. Heidenberg enough also to everyone for your thoughts and prayers Debbie and I are pleased to announce I am cancer free. »
Boggs, 66, first shared his diagnosis on September 8, vowing to “ring that damn bell” once he completed treatment. That moment has now arrived, marking the end of his battle with the disease. The bell-ringing tradition, a milestone for cancer patients finishing treatment, serves as a symbol of victory.
A master of precision at the plate, Boggs built his legacy over 18 MLB seasons. He dominated with the Boston Red Sox for 11 years before securing his lone World Series title with the Yankees in 1996—celebrating in iconic fashion by riding a police horse around Yankee Stadium.
He ended his career with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he fittingly notched his 3,000th hit—a home run. A five-time batting champion and 12-time All-Star, Boggs was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2005 with 91.9% of the vote.
He remains one of the most consistent hitters in baseball history, ranking among the top 40 in career batting average (.328) and finishing with 3,010 career hits, 1,513 runs, 118 home runs, and 1,014 RBIs. His ability to control the strike zone and put the ball in play made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Beyond the numbers, Boggs became an indelible mark on baseball folklore thanks to his meticulous pre-game rituals – from eating chicken before every contest to drawing the Hebrew word “Chai” (meaning “life”) in the batter’s box.
However, the pinnacle of his sporting career arrived in 1996, when he triumphed in the World Series with the Yankees, before producing one of the sport’s most memorable celebrations. To celebrate the victory, he rode a police horse around Yankee Stadium in victory.
Meanwhile, his recent announcement was met with widespread support from the baseball community. The National Baseball Hall of Fame acknowledged the news with a message on social media: “The best news for @ChickenMan3010.” Fans and former players also shared their congratulations, celebrating the latest triumph in Boggs’ storied life.
Source link
