Mel Stottlemyre's son Todd revealed through various social media posts Friday that the former Yankees pitcher is fighting for his life in his battle with a rare blood cancer.
"Calling all prayer warriors during this holiday season," Todd Stottlemyre wrote on Facebook. "My father is in the hospital fighting for his life. He has battled cancer for 16 years. He is the greatest champion that I have ever met. I'm praying hard for you Dad. I love you pops. Please lock arms with me and pray for all our loved ones who are fighting."
Under a photo of his father pitching on Instagram, Todd added: "Praying hard for you Dad while you continue to fight cancer. I love you pops."
Stottlemyre, 75, was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma _ a disease of the plasma cells in the blood that can manifest in bone pain, kidney failure and neurological problems _ in 2000. It is untreatable. After going into remission, Stottlemyre had a recurrence in 2011 and has battled the disease since.
Stottlemyre pitched his entire 11-year career with the Yankees, compiling a 164-139 record and 2.97 ERA despite pitching for some very poor teams and becoming a five-time All-Star in that span.
He made his major-league debut on Aug. 12, 1964, went 9-3 with a 2.06 ERA and was a key reason the Yankees won the American League pennant. He made three starts against the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1964 World Series, going 1-1 with a 3.15 ERA.
Stottlemyre won at least 20 games in 1965, 1968 and 1969 and also lost 20 in 1966. Renowned for his excellent sinker, he frequently struggled in the first inning _ when he was too strong and his sinker didn't sink _ and improved later in games as he began to tire.
Stottlemyre hit seven home runs in his career, including an inside-the-park grand slam off Red Sox right-hander Bill Monbouquette on July 20, 1965, at Yankee Stadium.
He pitched his final major-league game at the age of 32 in 1974 as a shoulder injury derailed his career.
Stottlemyre won five World Series rings as a pitching coach _ one with the Mets in 1986 and four with the Yankees in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000.
He resigned in 2005 after a disagreement with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and spent the 2008 season with the Seattle Mariners before retiring. His sons Todd and Mel Jr. also pitched in the major leagues, and Mel Jr. is the Mariners' pitching coach.
