A Thought for Trey Mancini

Baltimore Orioles outfielder and first baseman Trey Mancini announced he has Stage 3 colon cancer and will undergo chemotherapy for the next six months. As such, should there be a MLB season in 2020, Mancini is unlikely to play. The COVID-19 pandemic also complicates matters with Mancini's now compromised immune system. Mancini was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his colon during spring training last month shortly before his 28th birthday.

An eighth round draft pick of the Orioles in 2013 after a distinguished collegiate career at Notre Dame, Mancini made his MLB debut at the tail end of the 2016 season. Mancini made an immediate impression hitting 3 HR in only 15 plate appearances. In 2017, Mancini finished third in AL Rookie of the Year balloting behind Aaron Judge after hitting .293 with 24 HR and 78 RBIs. His batting average would fall more than 50 points in 2018, but he did hit 24 HR albeit with only 58 RBI. However, 2019 proved to be his breakout season hitting a career high 35 HR and 97 RBI along with a .291 average on an Orioles team which lost 108 games.

Now Mancini faces the greatest test of his life. But he is receiving the best possible care. One can only hope the cancer was detected early enough to make a full recovery and a live a long healthy life be it with baseball or without baseball.

Should Mancini be able to suit up for the Orioles in 2021 perhaps the ordeal he is enduring now will give him the strength to be the team's leader both on the diamond and in the clubhouse. In which case, the Orioles could soon be a force with which to be reckoned. Whatever the Orioles' fortune, Mancini will be an inspiration to baseball fans everywhere.