Jared+Short+Open+Letter+Rough

Dear Jon Lester,

Many individuals may idolize an athlete because they are exceptionally good. Or maybe, an athlete is idolized because of the extent that the media builds the player’s image. What separates you from other idolized athletes is the fact that you are not only an exceptional athlete on the field, but you have overcome incredible odds off the field. [subjects shift] Cancer has to be one of the most terrifying diagnoses that you could ever hear coming through the lips of a physician. In 2006 when you heard this diagnosis, you did not take the news as many would have. You made the decision that you were not going to let lymphoma get the best of you. You made the decision that one day you would return to pitching at the major league level. Once the diagnosis was made public, it was almost as if you disappeared for a couple of years. I completely respect the fact that you chose to keep your progress confidential throughout your battle with cancer, because really, it isn’t anyone else’s business. I also want to let you know that as a fan of baseball and a member of Red Sox Nation, there is nothing that I wanted more than to see you pitch again. Overcoming cancer, as you well know, is no easy feat. The time, effort, and dedication that you put into battling this life threatening disease means more to me and says more about you than anything that you could ever do on the field. One of the most powerful performances that I have seen in any aspect of my life was your comeback. Not only did you comeback arguably better than when you left, but in only your third start after defeating cancer, you threw a no-hitter. Since 1900, there have been 225 no-hitters thrown. On average there are roughly two no-hitters thrown each season, and one of these was thrown by you, a man that battled through large cell Lymphoma. You are my idol, my hero not only because your skill and poise on the field, but your strength and courage off the field. Your story in the most inspirational of all of baseball, and has forever changed the way that I will go about living my life.