The Life-Saving Mission of a Baseball Broadcaster
Ed Randall, a beloved voice in baseball broadcasting, found himself facing an unexpected opponent at age 47. During what he assumed would be a routine physical examination, Randall received news that would forever change his life: a prostate cancer diagnosis. Despite feeling perfectly healthy that day, this revelation became a pivotal moment not just in his personal journey, but in his mission to help others. The diagnosis was particularly shocking because Randall experienced no symptoms whatsoever—a common occurrence with early-stage prostate cancer that makes regular screening so critical. This experience illuminated for Randall how many other men might be unknowingly living with the same condition, prompting him to take action in a meaningful way.
In 2003, driven by his own experience and recovery, Randall founded Fans For The Cure, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about prostate cancer and encouraging early detection. The mission is straightforward but powerful: persuading men over 40 to get a simple PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test that can detect potential issues before symptoms appear. The statistics that motivate Randall’s work are both alarming and hopeful—the American Cancer Society projects that over 300,000 men will receive prostate cancer diagnoses in 2025, with more than 35,000 expected to lose their lives to the disease. However, there’s tremendous reason for optimism in early detection, as Randall frequently emphasizes: “There’s a 99 percent cure rate if prostate cancer is detected early.” This dramatic survival rate underscores why his advocacy work is so urgently needed.
Randall has ingeniously leveraged his platform as co-host of “Remember When” on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM to spread this life-saving message. In a broadcasting decision that may be unique in American radio, he deliberately pauses each show to directly address his listeners about prostate cancer awareness. This strategic interruption is no accident—Randall recognizes that his audience demographic largely consists of men who are most vulnerable to prostate cancer. “I’m the only person I’m sure in this country that stops his show to tell the men in his audience to go to the doctors and get a simple blood test,” Randall explains, understanding that this brief moment of broadcasting time could literally save lives. His approach demonstrates how someone can transform a personal health crisis into a public health mission, using the trust and connection he’s built with his audience over years of baseball commentary.
Fans For The Cure has expanded far beyond simple awareness messaging to create multiple avenues for men to access screening and support. The organization hosts awareness nights at baseball stadiums and sports arenas across the country, turning these beloved American venues into sites for health education and free prostate cancer screenings. By meeting men where they already gather—at sporting events—Randall’s charity removes barriers to healthcare access and makes screening feel more approachable. Beyond these stadium events, Fans For The Cure conducts community health initiatives that bring vital information to neighborhoods and provide direct connections to healthcare resources. This comprehensive approach recognizes that awareness alone isn’t enough—men need practical pathways to screening and treatment.
The organization’s holistic approach extends beyond just detection to encompass the full journey of those affected by prostate cancer. Fans For The Cure provides patient advocacy services to help men navigate the often complex healthcare system after diagnosis. They offer physician referrals to connect patients with qualified specialists who can provide appropriate care. Perhaps most importantly, the organization facilitates support groups not just for men diagnosed with prostate cancer, but also for the women in their lives who often serve as caregivers and emotional support systems. This recognition that cancer affects entire families, not just individuals, demonstrates the depth of understanding that informs Randall’s work. By addressing both the practical and emotional aspects of a cancer diagnosis, Fans For The Cure helps ensure that no one faces this challenge alone.
What began as one man’s personal health crisis has evolved into a far-reaching movement that has likely saved countless lives through early detection. Randall’s willingness to share his own story openly has removed some of the stigma that often prevents men from discussing health concerns or seeking preventive care. For those interested in learning more about prostate cancer risks or supporting this vital work, comprehensive information is available at fansforthecure.org. Randall’s journey exemplifies how personal adversity can become the catalyst for meaningful change when channeled into service to others. As prostate cancer continues to affect hundreds of thousands of American men annually, the work of Fans For The Cure represents a beacon of hope—a reminder that through awareness, early detection, and proper treatment, this disease can often be overcome. In the world of baseball where statistics matter deeply, perhaps the most important number Randall now focuses on is that 99% survival rate for early-detected prostate cancer—a percentage that translates directly into fathers, husbands, brothers, and friends who can continue enjoying America’s pastime and so much more.
