One does not have to be a Baltimore Orioles fan to root for Trey Mancini this season. He had missed the entire 2020 campaign due to stage 3 colon cancer, fighting not just for his career, but for his life as well. Fortunately, he was not only able to defeat cancer, but to continue his career as well.
His first plate appearance in spring training had an even greater significance as he came back. The fans in attendance, and players in both dugouts, gave Mancini a standing ovation as he stepped in. Then, Mancini delivered, knocking a base hit in that first at bat.
.@TreyMancini got a hit in his first at bat back from colon cancer.
— MLB (@MLB) February 28, 2021
You love to see it. #BiggerThanBaseball pic.twitter.com/An6pmDhMtW
Baltimore Orioles slugger Trey Mancini starts comeback on right foot
Mancini had appeared to be on his way to stardom when cancer struck. He had posted a career best .291/.364/.535 batting line with 35 homers and 38 doubles while driving in 97 runs in 2019, giving hope that he was developing into a franchise cornerstone. At 27 years old, and with the ability to play both corner outfield spots and first, Mancini was the type of player that the Orioles could build around.
His absence last season left a major void in the lineup. While the Orioles were able to find another possible long term answer in Ryan Mountcastle, they still needed the leadership and power threat that Mancini provided.
However, there were other battles that were far more important. He needed to regain his health once again first, as his fight was one that no one should have to face. While Mancini is a young and otherwise healthy athlete, his was still a frightening battle.
But it is also one that is behind him right now. He has been cleared to play once more, his cancer in remission. Just taking batting practice was a step towards his return, let alone actually getting in the batter’s box in game action. With that swing of the bat, Mancini announced that he is back and ready to contribute to the Orioles.
Trey Mancini made certain that his first plate appearance back from cancer was a memorable one. The Baltimore Orioles star has started his comeback on the right foot.