Rockies' Chad Bettis plans to be ready for spring training despite cancer diagnosis
Pitching half of his games at Coors Field is a challenge Rockies right-hander Chad Bettis has always met head on. That’s a big reason why Bettis is expected to be part of the Rockies starting rotation again in 2017.
Before he gets there though, Bettis will have to face another challenge head on: cancer.
In a statement released Monday, Bettis announced that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in November and had already undergone surgery. He also stated his intentions to be ready for spring training to once again earn his place in Colorado’s rotation after making 52 starts over the last two seasons.
“During an appointment in November, my doctor noticed an abnormality and ordered further tests and advanced blood work,” Bettis said in a statement released through his agent, Matt Sosnick. “The following Monday, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer and had one of my testicles removed the next day, on Tuesday, November 29.
“The surgeon is very confident that the cancer was isolated and has not spread and that my ability to have children should not be affected. The Rockies and the MLBPA have been great, and I truly appreciate the care and support shown by [general manager] Jeff Bridich to both me and my family.
“My understanding is that I will be physically ready to have a normal spring training, and I greatly look forward to the upcoming season. I thank my friends and family for their love and kindness and ask that privacy be shown to both my wife and myself until spring training begins.”
Bettis also mentioned the importance of early detection, which helped to increase his survival rate to 99 percent.
The Rockies will understandably take a cautious approach with Bettis. His short-term and long-term health is far more important than making a handful of starts in March or April. But it’s encouraging to hear such a positive outlook in the wake of such harrowing news.
My growing family and I would like to say thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and kind words. We will get through this! Better together!???????? pic.twitter.com/cXtYATcpJh
— Chad Bettis (@cbettis35) December 14, 2016
For his career, the 27-year-old has been a solid if unspectacular starter for Colorado. He’s struggled a bit with consistency over the last two seasons, posting a 4.57 ERA over 301 innings. But that’s the nature of the beast in Colorado, where pitchers and hitters constantly shuttle from the mountains to sea level and back again.
Along the way Bettis has flashed some brilliance, coming four outs short of a no-hitter in Philadelphia this past May. The scouting report on Bettis should read that whatever he lacks in stuff he makes up with a fearless and determined approach, which serves him well in all of the challenges he faces.
Also helping matters is the support Bettis has received since making his announcement. Teammates, opponents, fans and even some old friends, have all expressed their thoughts, which Bettis has greatly appreciated.
The #Rockies Family is proud of Chad's courage and happy for his recovery. Together we encourage awareness and early detection. pic.twitter.com/4PG8FeySnW
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) December 13, 2016
@cbettis35 #rolemodel pic.twitter.com/EZbU4WliU6
— Jeff Hoffman (@hoff_23) December 14, 2016
@cbettis35 as a stage 4 TC survivor…congrats on catching this early.
— Jim Downey (@jpddowney) December 13, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you @cbettis35 – the Red Raider family is behind you. https://t.co/fKofooX6mS
— Texas Tech Baseball (@TTU_Baseball) December 13, 2016
We join them all in sending well wishes for a complete recovery, continued success and much happiness as the Bettis family grows in 2017.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
