Wade Boggs, the legendary Hall of Fame third baseman, shared difficult news this weekend, announcing that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The 12-time All-Star revealed his condition through a heartfelt message on social media, where he expressed determination in the face of his health challenge.
“I’ve never been a goal-oriented person, but with the strength and support of my family and my faith in God, I’m going to ring that damn bell,” Boggs posted, adding, “#positiveattitude,” along with emojis symbolizing strength and prayer.
The “ring the bell” reference is a nod to the tradition many cancer patients observe, ringing a bell to signify the completion of their treatment and the hope of being cancer-free.
Boggs, inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, enjoyed a stellar 18-year career from 1982 to 1999, primarily with the Red Sox.
Known for his consistency at the plate, he finished with a career .328 batting average, accumulating 3,010 hits, 118 home runs, and 1,014 RBIs.
His No. 26 jersey was retired by Boston, cementing his legacy with the team. Boggs also won a World Series with the New York Yankees in 1996.
Along with his announcement, Boggs shared a prostate cancer patient guide to raise awareness.
The MLB Hall of Fame expressed their support for him, posting on social media, “Sending our well wishes to @ChickenMan3010 as he battles prostate cancer. We’re with you every step of the way, Wade!”
Boggs isn’t the only baseball legend to face this health battle.
Fellow Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, who entered Cooperstown in the same 2005 class, recently shared his own experience with prostate cancer.
In August, Sandberg posted on Instagram that he had successfully completed his treatment, thanking his “Dream Team” of family, doctors, and supporters.
“Rang the Bell this morning! WE did it, WE won! What a Dream Team, family, doctors, friends, nurses, fans who supported myself and Margaret through the last 8 months!” Sandberg said. “We feel so blessed from all the love, prayers and thoughts and positive words that have come our way! Modern medicine has come along way so once again early detection is important. Annual doctor visits! Time to celebrate! #godisgood”
Sandberg, a 16-year MLB veteran who played for the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies, urged others to stay vigilant with their health, underscoring the importance of early detection.
Boggs, now facing his own health challenges, has received an outpouring of support from the baseball world – a world that will undoubtedly be cheering him on as he works toward “ringing that bell.”