Cincinnati Reds utilityman Connor Joe was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2014 MLB Draft.Not afraid of work — a quality instilled by his father at a young age — Joe worked his way through the minor leagues for years.“The minor leagues aren’t exactly glamorous by any means, but I had a goal in mind,” Joe said. “I knew how I was going to achieve that goal.”How he did it was hard work and adaptability. Joe went from catcher, to infielder, to outfielder. He was willing to do anything to get his shot at the big leagues.In 2020, Joe was having his best offseason yet. He says he felt as strong as ever and truly believed he would be in the majors soon enough.Joe accepted a Spring Training invite by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Before he could take the diamond, he had to go through a physical — a routine practice before starting with a new team.However, that visit to the doctor was anything but routine.“He said he felt something,” Joe said recalling the day that changed his life. “It was kind of startling.”In March of 2020, Joe was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He says it came as a shock. He didn’t expect a cancer diagnosis at just 26 years old. However, just like his baseball attitude, he was ready to work.“Right away I didn’t let myself feel bad for myself,” Joe said. “I was just like, ‘okay this is the diagnosis. Doctor, let’s build a roadmap.’”The roadmap started with surgery to remove the tumor. But that did not solve it. The cancer had spread to his lungs. So, weeklong rounds of chemotherapy followed. His mother and wife traded off driving Joe to the hospital, while the other stayed home to cook.During this time, Joe was not able to play baseball. Instead, he stayed active by kayaking and working out at home.He didn’t know if he’d ever get to play baseball again.In July of 2020, Joe was declared cancer free.“It’s not something that I ever would have wished I went through, but now that I did, I’m happy that I did,” Joe said.Exactly one year after being told he was cancer free, Joe hit his first Major League home run with the Colorado Rockies.“I think I just look at everything now through a lens of gratitude,” Joe said.What he is most grateful for now is being a father. Joe wasn’t sure if he’d ever have that title. He didn’t know how testicular cancer would impact his ability to have kids.But his wish has come true. Joe and his wife now have a two-year-old daughter who comes to his games always with a smile and a wave.“It’s the best thing,” Joe said. “It’s my most proud title to be her dad.””You shared this journey with us, and you were there,” Joe continued talking about his daughter. “It’s so special for my wife and I.”
CINCINNATI —
Cincinnati Reds utilityman Connor Joe was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2014 MLB Draft.
Not afraid of work — a quality instilled by his father at a young age — Joe worked his way through the minor leagues for years.
“The minor leagues aren’t exactly glamorous by any means, but I had a goal in mind,” Joe said. “I knew how I was going to achieve that goal.”
How he did it was hard work and adaptability. Joe went from catcher, to infielder, to outfielder. He was willing to do anything to get his shot at the big leagues.
In 2020, Joe was having his best offseason yet. He says he felt as strong as ever and truly believed he would be in the majors soon enough.
Joe accepted a Spring Training invite by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Before he could take the diamond, he had to go through a physical — a routine practice before starting with a new team.
However, that visit to the doctor was anything but routine.
“He said he felt something,” Joe said recalling the day that changed his life. “It was kind of startling.”
In March of 2020, Joe was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He says it came as a shock. He didn’t expect a cancer diagnosis at just 26 years old. However, just like his baseball attitude, he was ready to work.
“Right away I didn’t let myself feel bad for myself,” Joe said. “I was just like, ‘okay this is the diagnosis. Doctor, let’s build a roadmap.’”
The roadmap started with surgery to remove the tumor. But that did not solve it. The cancer had spread to his lungs. So, weeklong rounds of chemotherapy followed. His mother and wife traded off driving Joe to the hospital, while the other stayed home to cook.
During this time, Joe was not able to play baseball. Instead, he stayed active by kayaking and working out at home.
He didn’t know if he’d ever get to play baseball again.
In July of 2020, Joe was declared cancer free.
“It’s not something that I ever would have wished I went through, but now that I did, I’m happy that I did,” Joe said.
Exactly one year after being told he was cancer free, Joe hit his first Major League home run with the Colorado Rockies.
“I think I just look at everything now through a lens of gratitude,” Joe said.
What he is most grateful for now is being a father. Joe wasn’t sure if he’d ever have that title. He didn’t know how testicular cancer would impact his ability to have kids.
But his wish has come true. Joe and his wife now have a two-year-old daughter who comes to his games always with a smile and a wave.
“It’s the best thing,” Joe said. “It’s my most proud title to be her dad.”
“You shared this journey with us, and you were there,” Joe continued talking about his daughter. “It’s so special for my wife and I.”