SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Giants were a few minutes late getting out on the field for Thursday's workout. The clubhouse was closed for one of the many meetings the team holds, and this was the most important one yet.
Hitting coach Alonzo Powell informed the players that he had completed his 40th and final radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Powell had been getting treatment five mornings a week in Peoria and then making the long drive to Scottsdale to work with players.
"He's been through a lot," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He said, 'Hey, I'm going to beat this' and he's had such a positive attitude. You guys know Zo, it really is amazing that he kept up his energy through this."
Powell was diagnosed last January, a few weeks after the Giants tabbed him to be their new hitting coach. At times there were restrictions last spring, but he never had any serious issues during the season and has been a regular presence on the field this spring. There was no sign that Powell was even dealing with anything until Thursday, when the clubhouse erupted with cheers just before players took the field. A cake was brought out to celebrate the occasion.
Bochy said Powell never talked about what he was going through every morning. He just showed up and got to work.
"It's a lesson we all could learn," Bochy said.
