Bob Gibson Diagnosed With Pancreatic Cancer

One of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball is now battling pancreatic cancer.

Bob Gibson, who played his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals, announced he was diagnosed several weeks ago and will be undergoing chemotherapy.

Gibson began his career with the Cardinals April 15, 1959 and his last appearance was September 3, 1975 when the Cardinals retired his No. 45 jersey.

Gibson went 251-174 his 17-year career with a 2.91 ERA. He had a total of 3,117 strikeouts during his career and pitched 3,884.1 innings. In 1967, when the Cardinals beat the Boston Red Sox in the World Series, he picked up three victories, going the distance in all three.  In 1968 he was 22-9, he had a 1.12 ERA and struck out 268 batters. He picked up 20 wins and completed 28 games in 33 decisions in 1969.

He was an All-Star in 1962, 1965-1970 and 1972. He was on two World Series champion teams in 1964 and 1967 and was named the National League Most Valuable Player in 1968. He also earned NL Cy Young awards in 1968 and 1970 and won the Gold Glove award in 1965-1973. He pitched a no-hitter August 14, 1971. In 1999, he was ranked 31st on The Sporting News 100 greatest baseball players. He was named to the Hall of Fame in 1981.

A statue of the 83-year-old is located in front of Busch Stadium.