Quisenberry Finds Comfort In His Pain Former Star Reliever Fights Against Cancer

Dan Quisenberry says he has discovered “an incredible peace” since undergoing surgery for a malignant brain tumor and now finds joy in the simplest sights and sounds.

“Every day, I find things to be thankful for. It’s really wonderful,” said the former star relief pitcher for the Kansas City Royals. “Sometimes, it’s just seeing a little boy on a bicycle. Sometimes it’s the taste of water. It’s hard to explain.”

Although obviously weak, he spoke and took questions for about 15 minutes in his first news conference since his operation, often flashing the droll wit that marked his 12-year career almost as much as did the sidearm sinkerball that produced 244 saves.

Quisenberry, 44, led the major leagues with 217 saves between 1979 and 1985, the year the Royals won their only World Series championship.

On Jan. 8, doctors removed 80 to 90 percent of an astrocytoma grade IV, the most serious type of tumor.

“I wanted to talk to you because there are so many cards and letters and phone calls coming. It’s wonderful. I discovered I got caught being nice sometimes,” he said.

Quisenberry talked about Dick Howser, who fell ill with a malignant brain tumor in the summer of 1986 after managing the Royals to their world championship. Howser attempted to come back and manage in 1987, but gave up in the early days of spring training and died five months later.

“I remember Dick Howser coming to spring training,” said Quisenberry, recalling the way Howser’s aggressive personality had been transformed.

“It was really different coming from him because he was such a feisty, leader guy. And then he was this mellow man and saying, ‘Don’t worry about this stuff on the field. Do your best because winning and losing takes care of itself.’

“And that was so strange to hear him say that. I didn’t really know how to process those words. Now, here I am and I understand what he was saying.

“It’s like getting new eyes. So, in a way, it’s a gift. The peace is incredible. And I’m filled with hope.”

A large horseshoe-shaped scar was visible behind his right ear when he turned to look at his wife, Janie.

“These have probably been some of the hardest weeks of our lives, quite honestly,” she said. “But they have also been the very most sweet weeks. I’m really thankful that we share a really neat love. We’ve been married 21 years and I hope we get to share another 21.”