By Danny Gallagher

Canadian Baseball Network

Say a prayer for Scott Sanderson.

The long-time pitcher for the Expos, Cubs and a number of other teams is going through some serious health problems and he can use all the help he can get. Out of respect for him and his family, I am not disclosing the nature of his illness but it's devastating.

Sanderson, 62, pitched for the Expos from 1978-83 and was a key member of the 1981 squad that went to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. His best season with the Expos was in 1980 when he posted a 16-11 record and a nifty 3.11 ERA. During the strike-shortened 1981 season, he was 9-7 with a 2.95 ERA.

Sanderson went 4-2 in nine starts in his rookie season in 1978 after being taken by the Expos in the 1977 amateur draft. Sanderson's run with the Expos ended in December 1983 when he was traded to the Cubs. He stayed with the Cubs for six seasons. He also pitched for the A's, Yankees, Angels, Giants and White Sox.

Sanderson's major league career ended in 1996. He later became a player agent and has lived in smalltown Illinois for many years.

Please keep him in your thoughts. 

Danny Gallagher's upcoming book is called Blue Monday about the 1981 Expos.