Former Cardinals outfielder and first baseman Chris Duncan died Friday at the age of 38 after a nearly decade-long battle with brain cancer, the Cardinals announced Friday.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chris Duncan after his courageous battle against brain cancer,” St. Louis posted on Twitter. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Amy, the entire Duncan family, and his many friends.”
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chris Duncan after his courageous battle against brain cancer.
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Amy, the entire Duncan family, and his many friends. pic.twitter.com/vCpZTsMXXZ
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) September 7, 2019
Duncan, 38, left his job with the station in January to focus on his ongoing battle with brain cancer.
He was first diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2012 after cancer had grown on the left side of his brain.
He returned to the radio soon after but was on and off over the years as he dealt with his battle.
He left 101 ESPN on a permanent basis in January.
Soon after his announcement that he would be leaving the station, former Cardinals manager Tony La Russa offered his support and also credited Duncan for keying a St. Louis run to the playoffs in 2006.
“In 2006 we got into Oct on the last day,” La Russa wrote on Twitter.”@chrisduncan11’s 20 2nd half HRs with several key players on DL saved our season and became WS #10. His on field courage is with him off field as well! Cardinals Nation has you in their thoughts.”
In 2006 we got into Oct on the last day. @chrisduncan11’s 20 2nd half HRs with several key players on DL saved our season and became WS #10. His on field courage is with him off field as well! Cardinals Nation has you in their thoughts. https://t.co/1tmxis5GkZ
— Tony La Russa (@TonyLaRussa) January 8, 2019
Duncan was originally drafted in the first round (46th overall) by the Cardinals out of Canyon del Oro High School in Arizona in 1999.
He made his MLB debut in 2005 and had back-to-back 20-home run seasons in 2006 and 2007.
He set a franchise rookie record with seven home runs in September 2006.
He struggled to get regular playing time as he battled injuries over his next two seasons, was traded to the Red Sox and then retired soon after signing a deal with the Nationals.
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Author: Thomas Lott
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