Dodgers minor league utility man Connor Joe delivered the best news of the baseball year, announcing Saturday night on Instagram that he is now cancer free.
“Exactly 5 months since being diagnosed with testicular cancer in February, I am grateful to share that I am now CANCER FREE!,” Joe wrote on Instagram, along with a photo taken last Monday. “This experience has been humbling. A journey of overcoming new challenges - managing uncertainty, leaning on deep strength, and testing my own resolve. I’ve taken so much from this chapter. I’ve learned the importance of living intentionally. I’ve gained a much deeper appreciation for life’s struggles and victories. I’ve confirmed God is Good.”
Joe was a non-roster invitee in Dodgers camp in spring training, but left camp in February. He had surgery for testicular cancer on March 17, saying at the time, “The good news is that we caught it early, and cases like mine are very curable.”
Joe, who turns 28 on Aug. 16, has excelled for the last two seasons in Triple-A, hitting a combined .298/.414/.500 with 36 doubles and 21 homers in 154 games, while starting games at first base, third base, left field, and right field.
He made his major league debut on opening day in 2019 against the Dodgers, as a Rule 5 pick of the Giants, but after eight big league games he was returned to the Dodgers last April.
In his Instagram post on Saturday night, Joe wrote, “I’m committed to continuing to bring awareness to this cause/Men’s Health. Very excited to get back to baseball.”