Former New York Yankees pitcher and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre is "fighting for his life" as he battles cancer.
"Calling all prayer warriors during this holiday season. My father is in the hospital fighting for his life," Stottlemyre's son Todd posted on Facebook on Friday. "He has battled cancer for 16 years. He is the greatest champion that I have ever met. I'm praying hard for you Dad. I love you pops. Please lock arms with me and pray for all of our loved ones who are fighting."
Stottlemyre was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2000. The disease would go into remission before reappearing in 2011.
The 75-year-old won 164 games as a starter for the Yankees from 1964-74. He was a five-time All-Star and threw a career-high 303 innings in 1969.
Stottlemyre joined the Yankees coaching staff in 1996 serving under manager Joe Torre. Over that time he was a part of four World Series winning teams.
