This Day in History: John Kruk Diagnosed with Cancer

John Kruk was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1994.

In the winter following the Phillies' macho run to the World Series in 1993, fan-favorite first baseman John Kruk was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Kruk would go on to have surgery that would remove a testicle.

Ironically, Kruk first learned of the disease after a spring training game. In the game, Mitch Williams threw a wild pick-off throw to first, hitting Kruk in the groin, and breaking his protective cup.

Kruk would return to the team later in the season, and went on to the Chicago White Sox after the season via free agency.

Today, Kruk is a mainstay at ESPN, as part of the Baseball Tonight crew. Kruk went big-time after breaking in as a member of the Phillies television network. He still remains a fan-favorite of Phillies fans.

NOTE: This should have been posted March 9.