Nellie Fox was one of the greatest second basemen of all time, and a beloved figure in the history of the Chicago White Sox. He was known for his hustle, his chewing tobacco, and his ability to hit singles and avoid strikeouts. He was also a 15-time All-Star, a Gold Glove winner, and the American League MVP in 1959, when he led the White Sox to their first pennant in 40 years. But behind his stellar career and cheerful personality, Fox was hiding a deadly disease that would eventually claim his life at the age of 47.
The Diagnosis
Fox retired from playing baseball in 1965, after spending his last two seasons with the Houston Colt .45s/Astros. He then became a coach for the Astros and later the Texas Rangers. In 1975, he was diagnosed with widespread skin cancer, which had spread to his lungs and other organs. According to Wikipedia, Fox had been exposed to excessive sunlight during his playing days, especially in spring training camps in Florida and Arizona. He had also ignored the warning signs of skin cancer, such as moles and lesions, for years.
The Treatment
Fox was admitted to the Baltimore Cancer Research Center in October 1975, where he underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. He also received blood transfusions and experimental drugs. However, his condition did not improve, and he suffered from severe pain and weight loss. According to Baseball Almanac, Fox’s former teammates and friends visited him at the hospital and tried to cheer him up. Some of them even shaved their heads in solidarity with Fox, who had lost his hair due to the treatment.
The Death
Fox died on December 1, 1975, at the University Hospital in Baltimore. He was surrounded by his wife, Joanne, and his three children, Bonnie, Nellie Jr., and James. He was also visited by his former manager, Paul Richards, who had flown from Texas to see him. According to Pennsylvania Center for the Book, Fox’s funeral was held at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in St. Thomas, Pennsylvania, where he was born and raised. He was buried at St. Thomas Cemetery.
The Legacy
Fox’s death shocked and saddened the baseball world, especially the White Sox fans who had adored him for so long. He was posthumously elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997 by the Veterans Committee, after falling short of the required votes by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America for several years. His number 2 was retired by the White Sox in 1976, and a statue of him was erected at Guaranteed Rate Field in 2006. He is widely regarded as one of the best second basemen ever, and one of the most difficult hitters to strike out in MLB history.
Nellie Fox cause of death was a tragic end to a brilliant career and a joyful life. He left behind a legacy of excellence, perseverance, and passion for the game he loved. He will always be remembered as a baseball legend and a White Sox hero.
