Jon Lester beats cancer, Colorado, and wins the Conigliaro award

Jon Lester just won the Tony Conigliaro award, which is given to one player each year who has overcome adversity. As you all know, Lester was diagnosed with large-cell lymphoma last year during his rookie season. He beat cancer and battled his way back up to the majors this season. Lester took the mound for Game 4 of the World Series and pitched the Red Sox to victory.



Tony Conigliaro was an outfielder for the Red Sox. At the age of 22, he was selected for the 1967 All-Star Team. In that season, he also became the youngest American League player to reach a career total of 100 home runs. His season took a turn for the worse on August 18th, when he was hit by a pitch on the left cheekbone. With a broken cheek and considerable damage to his eye, Tony's career looked like it might be over.



But on opening day of the 1969 season, Tony took the field at Fenway and managed a true comeback. Despite his poor vision, which resulted from his injury, he hit 20 homeruns that season, and earned the Comeback Player of the Year award.