As a Major League Baseball All-Star power hitter, coach and manager, Don Baylor, 56, knows that winning a game requires a talented team and a clear game plan. Fortunately, when he faced cancer in 2003, Don had the benefit of both.

It was during a routine physical at the start of spring training that Don, at the time the bench coach for the New York Mets, discovered he was severely anemic. Although he had been feeling fatigued, he says, “Athletes just keep going.” But further testing concluded that Don had multiple myeloma (MML).

Stunned, but refusing to assume defeat, Don spoke to Yankees pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, who was diagnosed with MML in 2000 and underwent a successful stem cell transplant. “He was real life-support,” says Don. “It was encouraging to speak to someone who had the same diagnosis and is still working.”

Don began treatment in New York and completed the 2003 season without missing a day. During that time, his wife Becky immersed herself in research on MML, and the Baylors contacted the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, where they received enormous support and guidance. When the Baylors decided to return to their home in California during the off-season, they were directed to City of Hope.

With his physician promising to optimize Don’s chances to make the Mets opening day in 2004, Don underwent an autologous stem cell transplant in February and, after 18 days, was able to return home. “Our entire team was fantastic,” says Don, “from the Mets organization to the staff at City of Hope, we were fortunate.” He also appreciates the routine exams “forced” upon him throughout his baseball career. “I want to encourage men, especially African-American men, to not put off going to a doctor. Routine checkups can save your life.”

After completing the 2004 season with the Mets, and 2005 with the Seattle Mariners, Don is enjoying frequent golf tee times and looks forward to his next managing opportunity, where his passion for baseball  —  and life  —  can be shared with a team.