Red Sox broadcaster, former player Jerry Remy dies at 68

Popular Boston Red Sox broadcaster Jerry Remy died of lung cancer Saturday. He was 68.

"We are saddened by the loss of a beloved player, broadcaster, and 13-year cancer warrior," Red Sox owner John Henry said in a statement.

"Jerry's love and connection to baseball didn't allow anything to stand between the game and him, including for many years cancer. He devoted his entire career to baseball, and whether from his seat in the clubhouse or his perch above the field in the broadcast booth, he took generations of rising Red Sox stars and a multitude of fans along for the ride with him."

The former big-league second baseman underwent repeated cancer treatments after first being diagnosed in 2008, causing him to miss time with the Red Sox at various periods over the last decade.

Remy most recently took a leave of absence from his broadcasting position in August and didn't return to the booth afterward. He threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the wild-card game between the Red Sox and New York Yankees in October.

Remy began his broadcasting career in 1988, following 10 seasons in the majors, seven of which came with the Red Sox.

The native of Fall River, Massachusetts, found on-air success working with the likes of Sean McDonough, Don Orsillo, Dave O'Brien, Dennis Eckersley, and Steve Lyons.

Remy and Orsillo won four New England Emmy awards together while with the Red Sox. One of the pairs' most entertaining moments came in 2007 when they hilariously described the infamous pizza-throwing incident.

Before his broadcasting career began, Remy appeared in 710 games with the Red Sox, slashing .286/.334/.334 with 90 doubles, 211 RBIs, and 98 steals after Boston acquired him in a trade with the California Angels in 1977.

A knee injury forced Remy into retirement following the 1984 campaign.

His death received quite a reaction on social media Sunday, with several people connected to the Red Sox wishing him farewell.

"RemDawg" was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2006.