Jake Peavy said hes inspired how friend and former coach Darrel Akerfelds graciously handled a 19-month a battle with pancreatic cancer that ended with Akerfelds passing on Sunday morning.
A bullpen coach for the San Diego Padres since 2001, Akerfelds remained close with Peavy long after he was traded to the White Sox in July 2009. Peavy -- who will start Mondays series opener in Minneapolis for the White Sox -- said Akerfelds often offered him encouragement as he attempted to recover from a shoulder injury that bothered him for the past two seasons.
Akerfelds, 50, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer several weeks after he underwent back surgery in November 2010 and had lingering health issues.
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He knew the percentages, he knew what he was up against, Peavy said. Just the attitude he kept. This guy was lying on his death bed sending me texts, encouraging me after a bad start. It was amazing to me. His friendship meant the world. He was a little bit of everything to me: he was a dad, he was a brother, a mentor and a best friend. It has been a tough last 24 hours. I didnt get a lot of sleep (Saturday). I knew things were headed south.
Earlier this season, Peavy raised money for pancreatic cancer research by offering fans tickets for three White Sox games, a batting practice session and an opportunity to have lunch with the Sox pitcher. Peavy said the raffle, which ended on June 12, Akerfelds birthday, raised more than 50,000 for pancreatic cancer research.
Peavy said a funeral will be held for Akerfelds --- who played for the Oakland As, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies --- on July 9.
He was excited about the raffle and the money we raised and that we were doing it in his honor, Peavy said. He was a little shy (with) any attention he received. Hes in a better place and hes not in the pain he was in (Saturday).