A's broadcaster Ray Fosse reveals he has cancer, will step away from the booth

[Auggie]

Ray Fosse, the TV color commentator for the Oakland A's, announced Thursday that he is stepping away from his broadcast duties effective immediately after revealing that he has been battling cancer for the past 16 years, according to a statement posted by the team on Twitter.

The 12-year Major League Baseball catcher played for Oakland from 1973 to 1975, winning two World Series with the team in 1973 and 1974. He was also named to the All-Star team twice and won two Gold Gloves, both in 1970 and 1971.

Fosse also played for the Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners and Milwaukee Brewers.

https://www.sfgate.com/athletics/article/A-s-broadcaster-Ray-Fosse-reveals-cancer-diagnosis-16368220.php

Two Cleveland baseball heroes from my youth -- Ray Fosse and Duane Kuiper -- each battling cancer. Damn.

Fosse has been the color analyst for the A's radio and television broadcasts since 1986. Kuiper has been calling Giants games (and doing commentary) since 1986 as well. There are none better in the business.

[Diamond_Dog]

1. I'm sorry to hear this.

I wish him all the best.

When I was young and Fosse played for the Indians, my dad took our family to a game and I nabbed a foul ball he hit. It’s my one and only major league ball grab. I still proudly have it.

[Auggie]

2. What a great memory

Ray was one of the few bright spots on the Indians roster of the early 70s.

[Diamond_Dog]

3. I wish I had gotten him to sign it!

He looks good in the photo. I remember being so mad at Pete Rose for crashing into him in that All Star game!

[Prof. Toru Tanaka]

6. They did have some good players but a lot of bad luck

Boog Powell was one of my favorite Oriole players growing up. I remember he went to Cleveland when Frank Robinson became manager.

I also remember Sudden Sam McDowell and Joe Charbonneau, two players who showed great promise but had their careers derailed by injuries.

[Auggie]

7. It wasn't all bad luck ...

Years ago Fosse shared a story on air about how cheap the franchise operated. All you needed to do to leave the team was ask for a raise. Boom -- instant trade that usually resulting in inexpensive, underperforming journeymen in return.

McDowell was an alcoholic that Cleveland miraculously unloaded to San Francisco in a trade for Gaylord Perry (one of the few bright spots) and a weak-hitting SS named Frank Duffy.

Boog Powell was at the end of the career when he landed at Cleveland, had one great year, but it wasn't enough to help the team finish above .500. Frank Robinson (as player/manager) didn't make much of an impact, though Cleveland will always have the boast of hiring the first black manager in MLB.

Charboneau made his debut in 1980, suffered a back injury in Spring training in 1981, and was never the same. This one was bad luck.

The early to mid 70s were truly dismal years for Cleveland baseball.

[Raven123]

4. I remember the Pete Rose - Ray Fosse collision at home plate in an All Star game

Thoughts are with him

[Prof. Toru Tanaka]

5. Same here.

If I recall correctly, Duane Kuiper hit one home run in his career. I had an old "50 greatest home runs" video and Kuiper's homer was on it. The reaction of his teammates after he circled the bases was great to see.

Fosse was never quite the same after the collision with Rose as he suffered a bad shoulder injury. I forgot he was on a couple of those World Series winners with the A's.

I wish both of them all the best in their fight.