Rockies’ Chris Forbes Leaves Camp for Treatment as Cancer Battle Continues

Colorado Rockies senior director of player development Chris Forbes has spent much of his life battling cancer, but that fight has never kept him away from baseball for long. Now 53, Forbes is once again facing serious health challenges while continuing to play a major role in the organization’s future.

According to MLB.com, Forbes arrived at spring training earlier this month before leaving camp to travel to Tijuana, Mexico, where he is undergoing alternative treatments not available in the United States. The longtime Rockies executive has dealt with the side effects of chemotherapy for years and is now pursuing oxygenation therapy, a treatment he hopes can slow the disease by targeting the enzymes that allow cancer cells to grow.

“I’m betting on myself,” Forbes said. “I can’t stress that part enough.”

Decades-long battle with cancer

Forbes was first diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1999, beginning a battle that has lasted more than half his life. Since then, he has survived two inoperable brain tumors and even a gunshot wound suffered during a carjacking in 2000 while returning home from cancer treatment.

His latest diagnosis came in 2023, when a routine dermatology visit revealed skin cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes. Doctors later found a tumor near his spine, and surgery was considered too dangerous. Despite the setbacks, Forbes has continued working while carefully researching treatment options and speaking directly with other patients before deciding on his current plan.

The longtime baseball coach and executive has built his career while dealing with the disease. Before joining the Rockies, he coached at Johnson County Community College, Kansas State and the University of Northern Colorado. He joined Colorado’s scouting department in 2007 and has led the club’s player development system since 2015.

Using his experience to help players

Even while dealing with pain, sleepless nights and frequent treatments, Forbes remains deeply involved in the Rockies’ day-to-day operations. He often applies lessons learned during his medical journey to his work with young players, focusing on communication, patience and long-term growth.

Forbes credits doctors and researchers, including specialists at MD Anderson Cancer Center, for shaping what he calls a “patient-care mindset,” something he now brings into player development meetings. Whether reviewing video, discussing mechanics or evaluating prospects, he approaches the job with the same attention to detail he has used while studying his illness.

Many players in the organization are unaware of the extent of Forbes’ health struggles because he rarely talks about them publicly. Those who do know say his attitude has made him a powerful example of perseverance.

Supporting players through their own battles

Forbes’ experience has also helped him connect with players facing personal challenges of their own. When Minor League infielder Braylen Wimmer was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year, Forbes traveled to Oklahoma to be there during surgery.

Wimmer said doctors kept him talking during the 3 1/2-hour procedure to remove a golf ball-sized tumor from the left side of his brain after he suffered a seizure during the Arizona Fall League. Because the tumor was near areas that control speech and motor skills, doctors asked him questions about baseball and everyday life throughout the surgery to monitor his responses.

Now back in Minor League camp, Wimmer has returned to full baseball activities and hopes to begin the season on an active roster. The 25-year-old hit a combined .296 at High-A Spokane and Double-A Hartford last season and said he does not want the diagnosis to change his path as he continues working toward the major leagues.

Forbes was present for Wimmer’s surgery and shared advice from his own experiences, encouraging the young infielder to speak with other patients and stay focused on recovery rather than worst-case scenarios. Wimmer said Forbes’ quiet toughness made a strong impression on him, noting that the longtime Rockies executive rarely talks about his own health even while continuing treatment.

Forbes said every cancer fight is different, but he tries to remind players that progress often comes one day at a time. He described his routine of watching the sunrise each morning as a way to reset mentally, even after sleepless nights caused by pain or treatment.

Organization remains fully behind him

The Rockies have continued to support Forbes throughout his battle, with owner Dick Monfort, team president Walker Monfort and president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta all staying in close contact with him during treatment.

Monfort said Forbes has never allowed his health issues to interfere with his work, even after years of medical challenges. The organization hopes the current treatment plan will allow him to regain his strength, but his role with the club remains secure regardless of the outcome.

Forbes said the support from the team, along with encouragement from his family, has helped him keep moving forward even during the most difficult moments.

““I’m not stupid – I know what can happen if this betting on myself doesn’t work,” Forbes said.”But everybody seems to be on board and supportive. I know there is a way through it. There’s no way out of it. We just need to find the right combination, collectively.”

MLB continues push for cancer awareness

Major League Baseball has long supported cancer research through its partnership with the Stand Up To Cancer initiative, which is presented in part by Mastercard. The campaign is a regular part of the MLB season, most visibly during All-Star festivities, when players, coaches and fans take part in moments of recognition for those affected by the disease.

Stories like those of Forbes and Wimmer are reminders of why cancer awareness efforts remain important throughout the game. From front office staff to players in the minor leagues, cancer has touched many across baseball, and MLB continues to use its platform to promote awareness, research and support for those going through treatment.

Forbes has tried to keep a positive perspective throughout his own battle, often using humor while facing difficult moments.

“I guess we’re trying to throw cancer first-pitch breaking balls,” Forbes said. “Which is not uncommon in this present game.”

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