Wade Boggs Announces He Is Cancer-Free at Red Sox 125th Anniversary

On May 8, 2026, Hall of Famer Wade Boggs threw a ceremonial first pitch before the Boston Red Sox’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. After the pitch, he announced he has been declared cancer-free following treatment for prostate cancer diagnosed two years earlier.

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Boggs first disclosed his prostate cancer in September 2024 after a routine PSA test showed a level of 3.3 ng/mL, below the typical 4.0 ng/mL trigger. He completed radiation and hormone therapy by early 2025, and a follow-up in early 2026 confirmed no disease. He credited his doctors for the successful outcome and emphasized the role of regular checkups.

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Joining Boggs were five other retired-number Red Sox legends—Carl Yastrzemski, Carlton Fisk, Pedro Martínez, David Ortiz and Jim Rice—who together marked the franchise’s 125th anniversary, commemorating the first home game played on May 8, 1901.

Boston Herald

Boggs retired with a .328 batting average, 3,010 hits, 118 home runs and 1,014 RBIs, earning Hall of Fame induction in 2005 on 91.9 % of ballots. The Red Sox have retired six numbers for the legends present.

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Boggs’ public declaration underscores the value of early prostate cancer detection, especially when PSA levels are below standard alerts. His high-profile endorsement may prompt broader screening, potentially reducing late-stage diagnoses.

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Boggs thanked God for his recovery, called prostate cancer “null and void,” and urged men to get PSA tests, noting his own 3.3 ng/mL level led to early treatment. He also praised his medical team for their care. He reaffirmed his lifelong love for Boston.

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The six legends each threw a ceremonial first pitch; Pedro Martínez delivered his to current catcher Connor Wong after former catcher Jason Varitek’s recent dismissal. Fans applauded Boggs’ remarks.

Boston Herald

• “I'm a cancer survivor now. Prostate cancer is null and void. Thank God,” — Wade Boggs, Hall of Famer

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• “I encourage all young men to get your PSA test. Please, go out there. Because mine, it wasn’t even on the radar, it was a 3.3, and they don’t even start talking about it until it gets to 4, but I had the bad one. We caught it early, it was a process that I had to go through with the radiation and the hormone therapy, but other than that, wonderful doctors, and I had my checkup a month ago and I’m completely cancer free.” — Wade Boggs, Hall of Famer

Boston Herald

• “But no, I never wanted to leave Boston.” — Wade Boggs, Hall of Famer

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Boggs said he will keep urging men to schedule PSA screenings and plans to speak at future health-awareness events. The Red Sox will feature his message in upcoming community outreach programs throughout the season.

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