Red Sox Broadcaster, Former Player Jerry Remy Dies Of Cancer

BOSTON — Jerry Remy, the former Red Sox player who went on to become even more well known as a broadcaster, died of cancer. He was 68.

Remy took a leave as color commentator for NESN's Red Sox broadcasts on Aug. 4. His last public appearance was Oct. 5, when he threw out the first pitch before the American League wild card game against the Yankees.

Remy, who died Saturday, would have turned 69 on Nov. 8, according to WCVB, which first reported this story.

Remy had battled cancer since Nov.2008, when doctors removed a "very small, low-grade cancerous area" from his lung. Doctors believed the cancer had been caused by years of cigarette smoking.

Remy, who was born in Fall River and grew up in Somerset, made his major league debut with the California Angels in 1975. The second baseman was traded to the Red Sox in December 1977. He played seven seasons with the Red Sox, batting .275 with seven home runs, 329 RBI and 208 stolen bases in 1,154 games during is 10-year Major League career.

Remy started broadcasting games for NESN in 1988. From 2001 to 2015, he was partnered with Don Orsillo. The duo won four New England Emmy awards. In 2004, Sports Illustrated named Remy as Massachusetts' favorite sports announcer.

Remy and his wife, Phoebe, had three children: Jared, Jordan and Jenna. Jared Remy is serving a life sentence after pleading guilty to the fatal stabbing of his girlfriend, Jennifer Martel, on Aug. 15, 2013.