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Dave Dravecky is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher best known for his inspiring comeback story and battle with cancer.

Quick Facts:

• Full Name: David Francis Dravecky
• Born: February 14, 1956
• Position: Pitcher
• Throws/Bats: Left/Left
• MLB Debut: June 15, 1982 (San Diego Padres)
• Teams: San Diego Padres (1982–1987), San Francisco Giants (1987-1989)

Career Highlights:

• Dave Dravecky was a talented left-handed pitcher and an All-Star in 1983.
• Known for his competitiveness and faith, he helped the San Diego Padres reach the World Series in 1984.
• Traded to the San Francisco Giants in 1987, he became a key part of their rotation.

Cancer Diagnosis and Comeback:

• In 1988, Dravecky was diagnosed with desmoid tumors, a rare form of cancer, in his pitching arm.
• He underwent surgery that removed half of his deltoid muscle, and doctors froze the humerus bone to kill the cancer cells.
• Defying the odds, Dravecky made a dramatic return to the mound on August 10, 1989, pitching 8 strong innings in a win against the Cincinnati Reds.

The Tragic Injury:

• In his next start, on August 15, 1989, Dravecky tragically broke his arm mid pitch due to the weakened bone.
• During the Giants’ NLCS celebration, he broke it again simply while celebrating.