Jon Lester pitched his first inning of baseball since being diagnosised with anaplastic large cell lymphoma last in the season last year. Lester as a bright spot in the Sox’s rotation last year after being called up last June. This man finished up his last cancer treatment only two weeks ago. He went through six sessions of chemotherapy. After his fifth treatment, a cat scan showed there was no cancer left in him. He begun throwing shortly there after. He even reported to training camp two weeks even before pitchers and catchers were to report.

To me this show what Jon Lester is really made of. To comeback and pitch in a “real game” situation so soon after going through cancer treatments, is a major achievement in somebodies life, as well as show just how much character they are made of.

This may only have been a ‘B’ game, but Lester cruised through his inning, just needing 8 pitches to retire his three batters, all with ground outs. The good thing for Lester, is the rotation is pretty much set with the addition of Matsusaka, a healthy Schilling, and Papelbon moving into the rotation. This means he will not need to be rushed back into the rotation once the season starts in April. He can continue to regain his strength and his condition on his terms, and allows his body to completely ‘heal’. I would imagine that he’ll start the season at AAA, and possibly be the long reliever, or be called up when an injury hits the rotation.

 I really tip my hat to you Mr. Lester. You have found yourself a new fan.