Former Philadelphia Phillies Catcher Darren Daulton Diagnosed With Two Brain Tumors

Former Philadelphia Phillies catcher Darren “Dutch” Daulton has been diagnosed with two brain tumors and is scheduled to undergo surgery next week.

The news was first announced by radio station 97.5 The Fanatic, where Daulton has hosted the weeknight show “Talking Baseball with Dutch” since 2010.

"Darren Daulton has not been feeling well over the past two weeks," the statement reads. "He went to the doctor who discovered two brain tumors and is scheduled for surgery early next week. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this difficult time. Of course we want to respect his privacy at a time like this, but if you would like to send him get well wishes you may do so at dutch@975thefanatic.com."

Daulton, 51, first broke into Major League Baseball in 1983 with the Phillies, where he gained a reputation for his tough, no-nonsense style of play. He was a key member of the storied 1993 squad -- alongside Lenny Dykstra, John Kruk, Curt Schilling and Mitch Williams -- which captured the National League pennant before falling to the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series.

Daulton was traded to the Florida Marlins in 1997 after 14 years in Philadelphia. He announced his retirement from baseball that same year after capturing the World Series title with the team.

During his career, Daulton batted .245 with 137 home runs and 588 RBIs. He was a three-time All Star -- in 1992, 1993 and 1995 -- and a Silver Slugger award recipient in 1993. Daulton was enshrined in the Phillies wall of fame in 2010.

Daulton remains a beloved figure in Philadelphia.

“We’re saddened by the news about Darren. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time. We, along with our fans, are praying for a full recovery,” Phillies president David Montgomery said in a statement.