Darren Daulton was the heart and soul of the 1993 Phillies NL championship
Leader of the 1993 Phillies National League champions and Wall of Famer Darren Daulton is struggling in his battle with brain cancer.
Diagnosed four years ago with glioblastoma Daulton had been cleared in 2015 by doctors. More recently, however, things have turned south for the 55-year-old.
The Phillies and Brett Datto, the President of the Darren Daulton Foundation, released a joint statement Wednesday regarding Daulton’s condition, which is not fully known.
"“Darren is struggling right now in his four-year battle with brain cancer, thus the reason his friends have posted messages on social media requesting prayers for Darren.”"
Former teammate Curt Schilling expressed his well-wishes towards his former catcher, as did Lenny Dykstra.
Please send out thoughts and prayers to my former teammate and dear friend @DarrenDaulton10 .
— Curt Schilling (@gehrig38) July 26, 2017
Daulton was expected to attend the Wall of Fame induction of Pete Rose on August 12 during alumni weekend. Whether or not Dutch is physically able to attend the ceremonies this year is not known.
This year will mark the first Wall of Fame induction since the passing of 1980 manager Dallas Green, who passed away during spring training. Green’s enormous presence was not felt at last year’s induction of Jim Thome onto the prestigious wall.
Daulton represented the Phillies on three separate occasions at the MLB All-Star game as a player during his 14-year career. Dutch mashed 134 home runs with 567 RBIs as a member of the Phillies, but more importantly led the Land of Misfit Toys that was the 1993 Phillies team with John Kruk, Dykstra, Mitch Williams and Mickey Morandini.
Next: Trade Deadline: What Happens Next?
Best wishes to Dutch and his family in the midst of his latest battle, and we hope to see him at Alumni Weekend next month!