Minutes after embracing Kyle Tucker following the final out of the 2022 World Series, Trey Mancini hugged a different set of teammates. The Houston Astros first baseman and designated hitter celebrated alongside his fiancée, Sara Perlman, as well as his sisters as confetti fell from the roof at Minute Maid Park. The jubilation wasn’t solely due Houston’s success on the field, as more than just Mancini’s baseball career was in doubt less than three years ago.
Mancini announced in March 2020 that he had been diagnosed with stage III colon cancer. The 30-year-old then missed the entire 2020 season. He announced he was cancer-free in November of 2020, and five months later, he returned on Opening Day of the 2021 season. Mancini’s path back to the baseball diamond is remarkable given where he was less than three years ago. He reflected on his journey as Saturday night bled into Sunday morning in Houston.
