Minnesota Twins GM Terry Ryan Is Being Treated for Cancer

Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

We like to kid around about baseball on this site, but today is one of those days we are reminded that we are talking about real people. It was announced today by the Minnesota Twins and Terry Ryan that the team’s general manager is being treated for cancer.

The following is a statement from Ryan that was posted on the Twins’ official site.

"As the Minnesota Twins prepare to open Spring Training in Fort Myers, Fla., I felt it was important to take this opportunity to share information surrounding my personal health. During the course of a routine annual physical, Twins team physician Dr. Vijay Eyunni detected a lump in my neck which required further review. A subsequent biopsy confirmed the lump was cancerous, leading to an official medical diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Thankfully, incremental tests indicate the cancer appears to be confined to my neck and has not spread to other regions of my body. At the direction of Dr. Eyunni, I am currently being treated at the Mayo Clinic as well as Minnesota Oncology. I’ve been assured this form of cancer is treatable and remain optimistic about my return to good health in the near future. Understanding the need to focus on treatment and recovery, I will not be in Fort Myers as we commence Spring Training. That said, I’m highly confident in the proven leadership of our baseball operations team including Rob Antony, Mike Radcliff, Ron Gardenhire and others as we collectively prepare for the 2014 Major League season. Lastly, my family and I would like to say thank you to Dr. Eyunni as well as the doctors and medical staff at the Mayo Clinic and Minnesota Oncology. In addition, we are grateful for the many friends and colleagues who have sent their well wishes and support throughout this challenging time. It’s my intention to see you back at the ballpark as soon as possible."

Our thoughts and prayers go to Terry Ryan and his family.