Darren Daulton remained positive after being diagnosed in early July (see story) with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma, and his attitude has not changed.
The former Phillies catcher, who was interviewed on 97.5 The Fanatic on Thursday, will be participating in the Phillies' alumni weekend. A little over week before the diagnosis, Daulton had two brain tumors removed during a procedure called an awake craniotomy.
"I'm actually starting to work out, Michael. And you know, I feel great physically," Daulton said. "Trust me, I'm going to be a lot better and I'll be right back to perfect again. Trust me."
Daulton and the rest of the 1993 Phillies, who lost the World Series to the Blue Jays, are set to be honored Sunday as part of the alumni weekend, which kicked off Thursday with Brad Lidge's retirement and first pitch (see story). Daulton hit 24 home runs with 105 RBIs in 1993.
"Number one, I'm just happy that everybody [the alumni] is back and you know I have a little bit of trouble talking. For, remember, four or five weeks we had where I was on the air, it was difficult for me to call the games," said Daulton, who hosted a show on 97.5 prior to the diagnosis.
Drafted by the Phillies in 1980, Daulton became a fan favorite and spent nearly all of his 14 major-league seasons with the Phillies; he finished his final season, 1997, with the Marlins.
"It's Philadelphia," Daulton said. "And you know, you've been here, too, it's like family. It's really like my family now. And going through this thing, I didn't know what the hell I was doing, and this thing is going to work out. I know that and I feel great right now."