- May 5, 2024
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My grandmother died from leukemia, so Craig Sager's story has always resonated with me.
Cancer took Craig Sager and it has taken millions of others, but it’s never easy to deal with. The Daytona Tortugas did their best to shine a light during a dark time — just like Sager always did.
In case you’re not familiar, Sager was a talented and well-respected sideline reporter for TNT and the network’s basketball coverage. He was known for wearing colorful and creative outfits while he was working, and as a tribute, the Tortugas dressed like Sager for a night.
There were red, yellow and pink roses on top of a tuxedo design with a bright yellow shirt to let everyone know what Sager would have worn. Daytona Beach native and Sacramento Kings forward Vince Carter threw out the first pitch and the Tortugas raised $3,575 for the Sager Strong foundation.
I watched a lot of basketball especially when I was a kid and remember being influenced by Sager. He asked questions with a sincerity that’s hard to equal, and his desire to do his job properly and with enthusiasm made him an icon for not just the people he covered, but anyone who got to watch him report.
The Tortugas put the event together to help raise money for the Sager Strong foundation, and the team gave a giant check to the Sager family in the amount of $3,575. The Sager Strong foundation gives all proceeds toward research for leukemia and other blood cancers.
The Single-A affiliate for the Cincinnati Reds gained national media attention for the festivities. Sager always wanted to be a professional baseball player, according to his wife Stacy, and she said it’s a blessing that this is a way he can be honored.
It’s a personal objective for me to try to help when I can, and live a life the way Sager did. When he was in his last few months, Sager continued to fight and report even when his body was deteriorating. Everything was about positivity with him, and that will live on through his wife Stacy and his five children.
To donate to the Sager Strong foundation, visit sagerstrongfoundation.org.
