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Red Sox: The five biggest moments of Jon Lester’s career in Boston

By Brendan Mizgala

BOSTON, MA - JULY 20: Jon Lester #31 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after walking a man in the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park on July 20, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JULY 20: Jon Lester #31 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after walking a man in the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park on July 20, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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Red Sox Jon Lester
Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester (31) pitches for the Greenville Drive at West End Field in Greenville Monday, April 9, 2007. Lester is scheduled to make a total of four starts for Greenville following treatment of lymphoma. KEN OSBURN/Staff Boston Red Sox Pitcher Jon Lester /

Jon Lester returns to the Red Sox after beating lymphoma

This is easily the biggest moment of his life, let alone his playing career. When it was announced that he was going to be leaving the team in 2006 to begin his battle with lymphoma I doubt anyone thought he’d wind up having the type of career that he did. That is, everyone except Jon.

The lefty would work through every level of the Minors in 2007 to build up his strength and endurance to an eventual return to the Red Sox. That day would eventually come in July as he was set to make his season debut against the Cleveland Guardians at Jacobs Field. On that night, Lester would toss a stellar six innings of two-run ball, striking out six and walking three.

"“I was in Triple-A on a rehab assignment in Pawtucket after cancer,” Lester told ESPN.com. “My parents were there and they were leaving that day or the next day to go home, and I told them they have to change their flight. I said I’m starting the next night in Cleveland.”"

I don’t think you could’ve asked for anything more from the then 23-year-old pitcher coming off of the biggest fight of his life. We all know how 2007 ended for the Red Sox and Jon was a massive part of that success. He would finish the season with a 4-0 record, 4.57 ERA, 63.0 IP, and a 1.61 K/BB. Don’t worry though, I’ll be highlighting what he did in October of that season next.

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