It is only May, but we may have already seen the baseball story of the season. 24 year old John Lester tosses a no-hitter for the Boston Red Sox.
It is a tremendous achievement on its own merits. Like the professional golfer who makes a hole in one, or a batter who hits for the cycle, no-no's don't happen all that often in baseball, but they do happen.
Now consider the story behind the story. Less than two years ago Lester was battling cancer. In the summer of 2005, Lester was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymph system. Doctors used chemotherapy to treat the cancer. Many people thought Lester career might have to come to a close, but last fall Lester returned to the Red Sox helping them to win their second World Series in four years.
"I've been through a lot the last couple of years. It was just a special moment right there," Lester remarked after holding the Royals to only two runners.
It was his first complete game in his career, his finest performance on the field of play, but not his greatest achievement in the game of life. As the late coach Jim Valvano said, "Never, ever give up!" John Lester never has.

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