Butler Gives Dodgers a Lift

It was the most beautiful sight the Dodgers have seen in a month. They didn’t know whether to cry or laugh. So they smiled and hugged him.

He was a bit frail, and his voice was shaky, but, oh, did it ever feel good to see Brett Butler once again.

Butler surprised his teammates by making an impromptu visit just before game time Saturday, and the Dodgers pulled out a 5-4, 10-inning victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium.

Second baseman Delino DeShields, who has inherited the leadoff role in Butler’s absence, drove in the game-winner on a one-out single to left-center off reliever Mike Remlinger, scoring Milt Thompson from second base.

“He knows we needed a little kick in the butt,” DeShields said. “I think that’s why he stopped by today.”

The Dodgers had a much-needed victory, and after Manager Tom Lasorda screamed at them for 15 minutes after batting practice, Butler was a sight to behold.

“I didn’t expect to be here,” Butler said, smiling weakly. “This probably meant more to me than for them, but it was good that I was able to show them that I’d doing OK and I’ll be doing everything to get back.”

Said left fielder Todd Hollandsworth: “It actually scared me. I thought I saw a ghost.”

Butler, diagnosed with cancer May 3 when he went in for what was believed to be a routine tonsillectomy, had not seen his teammates since he left on May 1. The players had seen film clips. A few had spoken with Butler. But until Saturday, no one had seen him, let alone anticipated his arrival.

The crowd of 44,575 at Dodger Stadium had no idea what was coming when he was introduced before the Dodgers batted in the second inning. He stood and waved from the private box of Executive Vice President Fred Claire, choking back tears.

While the crowd stood and cheered, players came and acknowledged him. Red first baseman Hal Morris took off his glove and started clapping. Red catcher Eddie Taubensee took off his mask. Home-plate umpire Jerry Layne turned around and waved toward Butler.

Butler clapped his hands in appreciation. He saluted the crowd. And he vows to one day play again in front of them.

“It’s been emotional,” Butler said. “I’ve been on the DL only twice in my whole career, and in a month, my life has been turned upside down.

“I’ve got two months to get back. Only time will tell. But in my mind, I’d like to get back.”

Butler, who still hopes to join the team in September, decided Saturday that he will begin radiation treatments June 17 at the American Biological Clinic in Chula Vista and receive the drug laetrile at their clinic in Tijuana. Laetrile helps build up the immune system, but it has not been approved by the Federal Drug Administration.

Butler will undergo radiation three times a week in Chula Vista. He will remain in California for three weeks, and then undergo radiation for three more weeks in Atlanta. When the radiation ends the first week of August, Butler hopes to begin workouts in preparation to rejoin the Dodgers.

Butler wants so badly to return to the Dodgers for at least one final season. He has been following their daily struggles.

When Butler walked into the clubhouse, it was as if all of the Dodgers’ problems were forgotten.

“Guys were upbeat and encouraged,” Butler said. “A couple of guys said, ‘Put your uniform on. Let’s go.’

“Oh, how badly would I like to do that.”