Former Cubs P Foster dies

Oct 14, 2008 - 3:44 PM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Kevin Foster, who spent seven years in the major leagues, has died of cancer. He was 39.

Foster died in an Oklahoma City hospital on Saturday after a six-month battle with renal cell carcinoma.

Foster, who originally broke into the majors as an infielder and later converted to pitcher, spent five seasons with the Cubs after being acquired from Philadelphia for Shawn Boskie in 1994, going 32-28 from 1994-98.

Foster's best season with the Cubs came in 1995, when he was 12-11 with a 4.51 ERA.

"The Chicago Cubs are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Foster," the Cubs said in a statement. "Kevin was an Evanston native who gave five seasons to his Chicago Cubs, twice reaching double digits in victories with 12 wins in 1995 and 10 wins in 1997. He was very popular with his teammates, the organization and fans, and he will be tremendously missed. The organization sends its heartfelt condolences to his entire family."

Foster battled arm injuries after 1997 and made a brief comeback with Texas in 2001. He finished with a career record of 32-30.