Longtime Red Sox announcer, player Jerry Remy dies of cancer

BOSTON (WPRI) -- Longtime Red Sox announcer and player Jerry Remy has died of cancer.

Remy, 68, had been working as a color analyst for NESN since 1988 before stepping away from the booth in August of this year to have treatment for lung cancer.

He was first diagnosed with cancer in 2008 and had since taken several leaves of absence to undergo treatment.

“We are saddened by the loss of a beloved player, broadcaster and 13-year cancer warrior,” said principal owner John Henry in a statement released by the Red Sox.

“Jerry’s love and connection to baseball didn’t allow anything to stand between the game and him, including for many years cancer. He devoted his entire career to baseball and whether from his seat in the clubhouse or his perch above the field in the broadcast booth, he took generations of rising Red Sox stars and a multitude of fans along for the ride with him." 

The Fall River native was a second baseman for the Red Sox from 1978 to 1984 and is a member of the team’s Hall of Fame.

In 10 total seasons and 1,154 games in the Major Leagues, he batted .275 with 605 runs, 1,226 hits, 140 doubles, 38 triples and seven homers to go with 208 stolen bases. He spent 34 years as a broadcaster for the team.

“On behalf of the entire Red Sox family, we send our deepest condolences to Jerry’s wife, Phoebe, their three children and the entire extended Remy family,” said chairman Tom Werner.

“Jerry’s effortless style made him the finest baseball broadcaster of the past few decades. When you listened to him, it was as if you were having a beer with your best friend, and his insight, humor and charm lifted your spirits."

His last public appearance came during this year's American League Wild Card game against the Yankees on October 5.

Remy threw out the ceremonial first pitch to former teammate and broadcast partner Dennis Eckersley at Fenway Park.