It’s a unique and touching story: former MLB catcher Joe Siddall landed a gig as Toronto Blue Jays radio color analyst a month after losing his 14-year-old son, Kevin, to cancer.
A month ago Kevin Siddall succumbed to non-Hodgkins lymphoma just seven months after a diagnosis. Joe Siddell, who spent time with the Montreal Expos, Florida Marlins and Detroit Tigers between 1993 and 1998, and his family were understandably devastated by the passing.
In the course of supporting Siddall, Jays broadcaster Jerry Howarth tweeted his condolences to Siddall and casually brought up the subject of bringing in Siddall for a game broadcast. One thing led to another, and after a recommendation from Howarth, the Windsor, Ontario native was hired as a full-time analyst, replacing Jack Morris. From the Windsor Star:
At a time when his family has suffered their greatest loss, fate has offered this sensational opportunity.
“It’s been a great distraction,” Siddall admitted. “I’m probably still in a fog to be honest with you, as anyone could imagine. I don’t know if the timing of this is wonderful, or if it’s awful. I’m hoping it turns out to be wonderful.
“I think everything happens for a reason. Maybe Kevin is sending me a message here to go chase another dream.”
Image of Joe Siddall (left) and Jerry Howarth (right) courtesy of the Toronto Blue Jays.
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