Jerry Remy stepping away from Boston Red Sox booth for cancer treatment

Christian Ortega, USA TODAY
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Boston Red Sox broadcaster Jerry Remy announced Wednesday that he would take a leave of absence from the NESN booth to receive treatment for lung cancer.

Remy addressed Red Sox fans in a statement, saying "I will battle this with everything I have. I’m so grateful for the support from NESN, the Red Sox and all of you. I hope that I’ll be rejoining you in your living rooms soon."

The 68-year-old has been a staple on Boston broadcasts as the Red Sox color commentator since 1988.

This isn't his first bout with the disease. He's missed periods during the 2008, 2013 and 2017 seasons due to an initial lung cancer diagnosis and then relapses.

The Red Sox dedicated Wednesday night's 4-1 win over the Detroit Tigers to Remy.

"Before the game, he texted me to go get them today," manager Alex Cora said. "I told him we would and that we would be fighting alongside him every day."

Red Sox broadcaster Jerry Remy signals to former second baseman Dustin Pedoria during pregame ceremonies in Pedoria's honor prior to a game against the Yankees at Fenway Park.
Red Sox broadcaster Jerry Remy signals to former second baseman Dustin Pedoria during pregame ceremonies in Pedoria's honor prior to a game against the Yankees at Fenway Park.

Remy left Fenway Park in the third inning of Boston's game against the Blue Jays on June 11 due to shortness of breath. He returned to work on June 20 after spending five days in Massachusetts General Hospital.

Remy played second base for the Red Sox from 1978 to 1984 and joined the NESN booth in 1988. He was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2017.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jerry Remy, Boston Red Sox broadcaster, will step away to treat cancer