Dick Vitale to participate in Yankees-Rays series after undergoing cancer surgery

On June 28, Vitale announced that he was battling cancer again following a biopsy of a lymph node in his neck, marking the latest low point in his years-long, tough battle with cancer.

On July 2, Vitale announced that cancerous lymph nodes in his neck had been successfully surgically removed.

Three days later, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame member announced that after reviewing his pathology report, he had been recommended to undergo six weeks of radiation therapy.

On July 8, Vitale added that his recovery was “going well” according to his post-operative exam.

The 85-year-old New Jersey native and current Floridian has been a regular at Tropicana Field and a season ticket holder since the franchise began play in 1998.

Despite the regular hardships caused by cancer, Vitale has maintained his iron spirit.

His unwavering passion for basketball (and all sports) and great attention to detail are evident in a multitude of tweets in which he updates his fans on the latest events and, of course, expresses his own opinion on X.

For example, on Wednesday, Vitale praised UConn head coach Dan Hurley, saying, “His PASSION AND PRIDE are very special.”

Vitale also continues to spread motivational messages to other people seeking protection.

The commentator’s presence on Tuesday may have been the lucky charm the Rays needed, as Tampa triumphed over the Yankees 4-1 to win the first meeting of the three-game series.

The Yankees struck back with a 2-1 win on Wednesday night.