A former major leaguer living in Greenville is now raising money to combat cancer. Pitcher David Hess is looking to get back to the big leagues after his own battle with the disease. He was drafted in 2014 by the Baltimore Orioles, he moved to Greenville with his wife that same year, after her family relocated here.
Hess made his major league debut with the Orioles in 2018, he later spent time in the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins organizations. In October of 2021, after returning to Greenville at the end of that season, Hess was diagnosed with cancer. He first thought he was suffering ill-effects from Covid , however a visit to the ER revealed a tumor in his chest.
Hess underwent chemotherapy and was medically cleared in February of this year. Even though he was cleared to play, he still struggled in his comeback effort. He returned to Greenville this past summer, prior to the season ending. Hess has decided to let his body fully recover and is working towards making a full scale return to the majors.
He is now focusing on fundraising, as he is will be part of the "Shuck Cancer" event. That event is an oyster roasted hosted by the American Cancer Society. It is slated to be held this Thursday night at District 356 which is adjacent to Greenville's Fluor Field.