Rangers third-base coach Tony Beasley diagnosed with rectal cancer
Third-base coach Tony Beasley has been diagnosed with a treatable form of rectal cancer, but will report to Texas Rangers spring training Saturday with the intentions of being on the coaching staff as they try to defend their American League West title.
The cancer was diagnosed a few weeks ago, and a second doctor confirmed the original findings. Beasley spent time at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston charting a course of treatments, and he will begin chemotherapy while in Arizona. The belief is that the cancer has been caught in its early stages.
News of the diagnosis Friday came after the Rangers announced that manager Jeff Banister’s contract had been reworked — a one-year extension with an option for 2019 — and as pitchers and catchers were taking the field for their first spring workout.
Banister, a cancer survivor, at one point appeared to be fighting off tears as he talked about Beasley. They have coached together for many years, dating to their days with Pittsburgh, and Banister brought Beasley from Washington in 2014 after getting the Rangers’ managerial job.
“I consider Tony as much a family member as anything else,” Banister said. “This one has been a challenge for me.”
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said that the Rangers will support Beasley however he needs it and will keep an open mind to keeping him on staff while undergoing treatment. As long as Beasley has the energy to do the job, they will let him.
“He’s a huge piece of what we did last year and a huge piece of what we are doing,” Daniels said. “As far as what the next steps are, we really don’t have a lot of answers to those questions. We’re going to take them step by step, day by day.”
Shortstop Elvis Andrus worked more closely last season with Beasely, who also doubles as the Rangers’ infield coach, than any other player. Andrus said that he had talked to Beasley and is looking forward to hearing him talk to the rest of the team.
“It was pretty shocking when I found out,” Andrus said. “I don’t know too much information about it. I hope he comes here and talks to us, and that way we can have a better idea.”
Banister said that getting Beasley back into the routine of baseball will serve as a distraction for all parties, but especially Beasley.
“We can get into that rhythm, and I think that’s part of the plan for Tony,” Banister said. “I do know that as positive as Tony is and as strong in faith as Tony is, when he shows up you’ll still see that huge smile and energy.”
Jeff Wilson: 817-390-7760, @JeffWilson_FWST
This story was originally published February 19, 2016 at 11:47 AM with the headline "Rangers third-base coach Tony Beasley diagnosed with rectal cancer."