Simply Amazing

Jon Lester threw a no-hitter against the Kansas City Royals last night, and, in my point of view, it was one of the most remarkable moments in baseball in recent memory. I feel fortunate to have seen the last four no-hitters thrown by Red Sox pitchers--Hideo Nomo, Derek Lowe, Clay Bucholz, and last night's by Lester. Four no-hitters in 7 years is pretty amazing--you can go through decades and not see ONE no-hitter thrown by your team . . .and the Red Sox have had FOUR since 2001. And for all of you who trash the Sox making claims that the Red Sox (just like the Yankees) go out and buy all their players, consider this: Hideo Nomo was a pretty low profile player, Lowe worked his butt off from middle relief to closer to starter, and Lester and Bucholz (both in their early 20's) both were Portland Sea Dogs minor leage players as early as last year, and both of them worked their way up through the farm system. So there. It just stands as a testament to the heart, soul, and work ethic possessed by the Red Sox team in general. . . .

But a no-hitter thrown by Lester is even more special and magical, considering the fact that Lester is a fellow cancer survivor (in fact we both had Lymphoma) and in the past couple of years he has been "down for the count," being inundated with chemotherapy treatments, etc. The hard work (physical, mental, and emotional) manifested by Lester is truly inspiring, as he went from cancer patient to 96 mile-per-hour throwing "no hitter" status. Here's my shameless plug for cancer survivors: look at people like Lance Armstrong (testicle cancer) and Mario Lemieux (Hodgkins Lymphoma) who were professional athletes who overcame grim odds to be successful.

And also, consider all the brave men and women (who arent professional athletes) who nonetheless battle each and every day to bounce back in the face of their cancerous adversity. Its something special to behold and it makes me proud.