SAN FRANCISCO — Chad Bettis is a survivor.
I’m not talking only about his inspiring and well-chronicled victory over testicular cancer; a story that transcends the baseball diamond and the sports pages.
I’m talking about Bettis, the pitcher, fierce competitor and class act.
In the hours leading up to a start, Bettis moves silently through the clubhouse, his hoodie pulled tight over his head, his concentration absolute. After the game, if he pitches well, and if the Rockies win, Bettis is funny, overly generous with praise for his teammates and looks as if he’s floating on cloud nine.