The name Dave Roberts conjures up one image for Red Sox Nation.
His stolen base in the 2004 ALCS helped beat the mighty Yankees and sparked Boston to its first World Series’ title in 86 years. Now, Roberts is attempting to beat a much more formidable foe: cancer. The 37-year-old is being treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“I noticed soreness in my neck [in March] and it was growing,” Roberts said yesterday in a conference call with reporters. “We caught it in the early stages and we’ve received a favorable diagnosis. The prognosis is very positive.”
Roberts said that he “fully” expects to beat the illness. Meanwhile, Red Sox players prayed for their former teammate in the chapel on Sunday.
“I expect Dave can outrun anything,” manager Terry Francona said.
Roberts, who has undergone two rounds of chemotherapy, is still working for the Padres as a special assistant.
