13 Days After Cancer Scare, Beloved San Diego Padres Coach Pleases Fans With a Touching Return

There are people in the world that love something, and then there are those that LOVE something. Matt Williams, former third baseman and professional manager, is apparently one of the latter. Williams currently serves as the third base coach for the San Diego Padres and is all about baseball. During his MLB career, the 57-year-old played for four teams and made a World Series appearance with each of them. In fact, he was one of the original players in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ debut in 1995! But unfortunately for Williams, life off the field wasn’t always kind.

The former third baseman has had a fulfilling career both on and off the field. In March 2023, it was announced that Williams had been diagnosed with colon cancer. He needed time away from the team just before the season started to undergo treatments. But as of April 13, the beloved coach is already back!

Matt Williams makes an appearance on the field just 13 days after cancer surgery

Petco Park saw the arrival of Williams returning to his beloved sport with a big smile on his face. The last time he was in the club was on Opening Day when he was introduced as the Padres’ 3B coach. Then he was missing in action for a while as he underwent surgery to remove the cancerous mass. But apparently, Williams has been doing well, as is witnessed by his appearance on the field.

The Padres’ field reporter Annie Heilbrunn reported the news on Twitter. Further, Williams also spoke to Jay Paris of MLB.com. “I’ve been anxious to get back,” the coach told Paris, “The update is that the surgery went really well.”

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Williams still has to undergo some treatments before he can return to his duties, but he’s clearly looking forward to them.

Williams’ first words after surgery were to ask about the batting practice

The 5x All-Star clearly lives and breathes baseball. Still dazed and disoriented from the procedure, Williams was only thinking about his team. Reportedly, the first words out of his mouth were to ask what time batting practice started. Because he had to get to the ballpark to give grounders to the Friars’ first baseman Jake Cronenworth!

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“I don’t know why I said that,” Williams told Paris. “And Cronenworth is the last person that needs grounders. My family has a video of me saying that, so I’ll never live that down.”

Let’s wish a speedy recovery to the former athlete!