Baseball has been part of Sandy Alderson’s life for the better part of the past four decades. From his role as the Oakland Athletics’ general manager to his current job as the head of the New York Mets’ front office, this is what has defined Alderson in the public eye.
Behind the scenes, the 70-year-old Alderson has fought through health issues that has made him a stronger man.
Unfortunately, Alderson is now stepping away from the game he loves to once again fight cancer. In an emotional press conference on Tuesday, the longtime GM announced that his cancer has returned — forcing him to take an immediate leave of absence.
Mets GM Sandy Alderson announces that he will take a leave of absence as he battles cancer. pic.twitter.com/jAXPkRUTzJ
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 26, 2018
This announcement included a comment from Alderson that is about as harrowing as it is sobering. “I’m not sure coming back is warranted,” the executive noted.
Alderson was originally diagnosed with a treatable form of cancer in December of 2015 — months after his Mets made a World Series appearance. It’s not yet known whether a recurrence of the disease will bring about a different diagnosis from doctors.
Our thoughts go out to Alderson, his family and the entire baseball community as the well-respected man now enters the battle of his life.