San Diego Padres

Padres radio broadcaster Ted Leitner diagnosed with cancer

Published May. 29, 2018 10:33 p.m. ET

John Horvath

SAN DIEGO-- On Tuesday afternoon, Padres radio broadcaster Ted Leitner announced via his Twitter account that he will be leaving the Padres' radio booth indefinitely following Wednesday's game to undergo treatment for a cancerous tumor in his kidney:

https://twitter.com/TedLeitner/status/1001597063702839298

Leitner, a San Diego legend, is in his 39th season of calling Padres games. The 71-year-old has also been a part of San Diego State athletics since 1978, calling Aztecs football and basketball games along the way.

He will undergo surgery to have the kidney removed later this week.

Immediately following the announcement, the San Diego icon was met with plenty of well-wishes and support on social media.

https://twitter.com/DonOrsillo/status/1001626034196725761

https://twitter.com/Mudcat55/status/1001631068762521600

https://twitter.com/jesseagler/status/1001599343206387712

https://twitter.com/jennycavnar/status/1001633246478614534

https://twitter.com/XTRA1360/status/1001597550510555136

https://twitter.com/BenHigginsSD/status/1001600639858753536