November 24, 2008 by
Jesse Podoll

Just 20 months removed from being diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Boston Red Sox Pitcher Jon Lester pitches the first no-hitter of the season on May 19, 2008. In 2008, Lester went 16-6 with a 3.21 ERA. For anyone
that has ever dealt with, or known anyone who has ever dealt with this type of cancer - they know exactly what kind of a miracle this is. To not only recover so quickly, but to build back up to the strength required to pitch at the major league level is almost unimaginable. Lester was the 2008 recipient of the Hutch Award which is given out yearly to the MLB player who best exemplifies the fighting spirit and competitive desire to win - but even more fitting in this case, the award was created in 1965 to honor former player and manager, Fred Hutchinson, who died of cancer in 1964.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1242121/top_sports_stories_of_2008_pg2.html?cat=14