Colorado Rockies: Chad Bettis has bullpen session on first Father’s Day

On his first Father’s Day since being diagnosed with and overcoming testicular cancer, Colorado Rockies pitcher Chad Bettis took another step toward rejoining the team.

Bettis threw a short bullpen session on Sunday at Coors Field under the watchful eye of Rockies manager Bud Black. After the session, the right-hander was succinct with his comments, saying, “Felt great.”

Black had some additional thoughts when he met with the media before the Rockies took on the San Francisco Giants in the finale of a four-game series.

"“Full distance, full 60-feet-6,” Black said. “He threw the ball very well. Delivery looked good. Arm action looked good. Very positive. He did his post-pen work with our strength and conditioning guys, fine. He just continues to progress and it’s really, really good to see.”"

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Bettis threw an estimated 15 fastballs during the workout.

"“He played long toss,” Black said. “His arm is strengthening. He could’ve thrown more pitches.”"

Bettis is still hopeful he is able to rejoin the Rockies before the All-Star break begins after the Rockies host the Chicago White Sox on July 9.

When the 28-year-old Bettis does return to the Rockies, he’ll take the mound for the first time in his career as a father. He says he will also have a renewed vision for what’s truly important in life.

Bettis and his wife, Kristina, welcomed their first child into the world in late March and were glad to announce it to the world through this Instagram post. His daughter, Everleigh Rae, and his battle with cancer and subsequent chemotherapy has changed how Bettis now views the world.

Next: Bettis talks about his return from chemo to the Rockies

"“Baseball is secondary. I think your perspective changes vastly. It’s not about your job any more. It’s about your family,” Bettis said. “My perspective has changed, but I have grown to appreciate baseball even moreso. It’s all secondary. What’s first is my family. That’s what got me through this (battle with cancer), for sure.”"