Mother of Texas Rangers, Tampa Bay Rays Brothers Fighting Cancer
Earlier this season, Texas Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe and Tampa Bay outfielder Josh Lowe played against each other for the first time as Major Leaguers, with their mother, father and dozens of family members in attendance.
This time, as Game 1 of the American League Wild Card playoffs starts at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, their mother, Wendy, won’t be in attendance.
Josh Lowe told media Monday that his mother is battling brain cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
"She's actually battling cancer, so she's going through chemo right now,” he said. “She won't be able to make it, but I asked her if it was OK if I said something, and she said yes because the more people that know, the more prayers that could be had for her.”
Nathaniel Lowe was not available to the media Monday. The Rangers made a cross-country flight from Seattle on Sunday. The team had an optional workout and treatment session at Tropicana Field before retiring to the hotel.
The only Rangers players interviewed by the media was Game 1 starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery and outfielder Evan Carter.
Rangers general manager Chris Young did share that the organization is giving all the support that it can to Nathaniel and his family.
“Our thoughts are with the entire Lowe family,” Young said. “On a personal level, I lost my dad this time of year, eight years ago, and I know how hard it is to play a game and constantly be thinking about a sick family member. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lowe family and for Josh and Nate.
“I can empathize with how hard this is. It's really hard. These are human beings and to compartmentalize and go out and play a game. You've worked your whole life to be on the stage. And meanwhile, you're suffering at home. It's really, really challenging.”
At their first meeting at Tropicana Field in June, Wendy wore a custom baseball jersey that was split between a white Rays jersey and a blue Rangers jersey with “Lowe” across the back.
She might not be in the stands for this series, but her sons will proudly wear the family name.
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
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