Ex-Cardinal Chris Duncan dies at 38 due to brain cancer
Former St. Louis Cardinals World Series champion Chris Duncan has died at the age of 38 after battling brain cancer.
Cardinals TV announcer Dan McLaughlin shared the sad news with the team’s fans during Friday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. McLaughlin said he had just gotten a phone call telling him about Duncan’s death.
Chris Duncan, a 2006 #STLCards World Series champion, has passed away at the age of 38. Our thoughts are with his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/CBWbvGsayc
— FOX Sports Midwest (@FSMidwest) September 7, 2019
Duncan was a first-round pick (No. 46 overall) by the Cardinals in 1999 out of Canyon del Oro High School in Arizona. He made his MLB debut in 2005 and truly had an impact in 2006. He slugged 22 homers that year — 19 after the All-Star break — and helped propel the team to the postseason, where they won the World Series. He batted .257 with 55 doubles and 55 home runs over his brief career.
Duncan, who was the son of Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan and brother of former player Shelley, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2012. He underwent surgery for it but the tumor returned in 2018.
Duncan went into the media and hosted radio shows after his playing career. The St. Louis Post Dispatch says he stepped away from his job with WXOS permanently in January to focus on his health.
Duncan received some instant tributes online.
Sad to hear of the passing of Chris Duncan. Fought for such a long time & doesn’t have to suffer anymore. My thoughts are w/ the entire Duncan family. This world is just not fair. #Cardinals #RIP #MLB pic.twitter.com/5Er6yC5WKk
— Jerry Hairston, Jr. (@TheRealJHair) September 7, 2019
Chris Duncan.. aw man. Used to listen to him on the radio. Gone way too soon.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) September 7, 2019
Chris Duncan – World Champion, radio personality and all-around good guy – packed so much into his 38 years. It's only unfair he didn't have longer.
Rest in peace, my friend. #STLCards
— Jenifer Langosch (@LangoschMLB) September 7, 2019
I struggle to find the words to express our loss tonight. Chris Duncan was a special human. He faced his fight against cancer with great courage. He was humble and honest when reflecting on his playing career. We will miss him. #RIP
— Rene Knott (@reneknottsports) September 7, 2019
