Bullpen Coach Darrel Akerfelds Battling Cancer

San Diego Padres Pitching Coach Darrel Akerfelds was diagnosed with Cancer in December and is scheduled to report to camp between his chemo treatments.

"Everyone is doing everything they can right now on the medical end. I’ve got a great team behind me. The plan the doctors have is innovative and aggressive. I think going to spring training is good therapy. I need to do my job.I’ve told the Padres I might have to miss a day or two at times. Hutch (Padres trainer Todd Hutcheson) is going to make sure I don’t overdo it. But I’m walking three or four times a week, three or four miles at a time.Baseball and those walks are my sanity. I need to be doing what I usually do. Until the surgery, my plan is to participate and do my job as best I can. I’ve told Buddy (Padres manager Bud Black) and Bals (Padres pitching coach Darren Balsley) that I might need a break from time to time. – Darrel Akerfelds"

Ak has been the bullpen coach for the Padres since 2001 and is well respected by the players and coaches. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family and friends during his fight with cancer.