In 1987, Matt Williams first stepped into the big leagues representing the Golden City, or the San Francisco Giants. Until 1996, he played at third base with the Giants, eventually moving to Cleveland for a year. And finally retired with the Diamondbacks in 2003 with a long list of accolades including five All-Star appearances, four Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards, and a World Series Championship in 2001.
Almost eight years after retiring from baseball, the successful California-born third baseman returned to the Diamondbacks as their coach. Since then, he’s traveled to various Major League teams in different capacities – coaching or managerial. Finally, in 2022, he arrived in San Diego as their third base coach. But a recent health development for Williams has left Petco in shock and fear.
A life-threatening diagnosis for the San Diego Padres third-base coach leaves the team in shock
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Now, after the San Diego Padres take on the Colorado Rockies on the first day of MLB 2023, and following the conclusion of Opening Day traditions, Williams will part ways with the team after his recent diagnosis of colon cancer, as confirmed by skipper Bob Melvin.
Padres' Third Base Coach Matt Williams Taking Leave Of Absence After Colon Cancer Diagnosis https://t.co/qc3d0sj6uN pic.twitter.com/qdYSF709ql
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) March 30, 2023
While discussing his diagnosis with the media, Matt Williams spoke about his plan to get rid of the tumor from his body. He said, “I don’t have any symptoms, I don’t have any issues. At this point, it’s important now to get it out of there. That’s the plan for Friday, and we’ll see how it goes from there. They’ll test, and they’ll do all the pathology and all of that at that point. But the initial scans were positive in that on the initial CT scan, they didn’t see any spread anywhere else. That’s a good thing. We’ll see where it goes from there.”
Padres skipper Bob Melvin spoke about Williams being the toughest person he’s ever met: “He might be the toughest guy that I’ve ever come across in baseball. I know in particular that he’s going to give this the fiercest fight of his life, and he’s going to beat it.”
The world of MLB comes together to pray for Matt Williams’ speedy recovery
Putting aside rivalries, the entire world of MLB filled the internet with prayers for the Giants’ Hall of Famer, with hopes for his speedy recovery. This is what the internet said:
Prayers up 🙏🏻 get well soon Coach
— David (@D_aRRe89) March 30, 2023
Our best to Matty, one of our favorite Giants, oh so many memories! 🧡🖤 from Humm Baby & family. You got this! 🤩🙏
— SDCraig (@sdcraig922) March 29, 2023
Matt Williams is a Forever Giant and my favorite third baseman, ever. If anyone can kick colon cancer, he can. 🙏🏻
— JohnJohn (@JJA101101) March 30, 2023
My favorite player growing up. Hoping for a speedy recovery!
— Transactional Healing (@triguyTrev) March 29, 2023
🙏🙏🙏The only teams in this situation are good thoughts and best wishes vs. The dark side of cancer.
— Marc J. Friedman (@mjfriedman24) March 30, 2023
Wishing him the best. One of my favorite players and a class act. Be well Matt Williams.
— Randy Johnson (@iamrags) March 30, 2023
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Sending healing energy and prayers 🙏
— Laurie P🏒⚾️🏈🥌📚👻🏕🎣🧶 (@goaliemom0049) March 29, 2023
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With multiple injuries surrounding the San Diego Padres ahead of opening day, missing Matt Williams through the start of the season will be another major miss. Will they be able to come back strong despite these setbacks? What do you think?
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