Diamondbacks GM Away From Team As Wife Fights Cancer

Mike Hazen, general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team. He’ll step away to be with his wife Nicole who is battling glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.

Nicole was diagnosed with glioblastoma just 11 months ago. People fighting glioblastoma typically have a life expectancy of between 12 and 18 months. The general manager gave a brief update on the 44-year-old Nicole to msn.com: “Nicole is doing OK. She is grinding. But we’re being realistic about the journey that we’re on right now.’’ Said Hazen.

Team President Derrick Hall, along with ownership had previously asked Hazen if he wanted to step away from the the club. “I’ve got to say I’m glad that he’s come to this decision. We thought it was just a matter of time for him to come to this conclusion. And it’s at a time where he really needs to be there rather than here. It’s very tough for Mike, and I know what a perfectionist he is. If he doesn’t feel like he’s giving 100% on this side or 100% on the home side, he’s drowning in the middle. And that’s not fair to him.” Said Hall.

He continued: “He’s a great dad, he’s a great father, a great husband, but the demands for him to be a great father, a great husband, now are greater. As (owner) Ken (Kendrick) said, 'The one thing you’re not going to get back is time.’ He needs to be with his boys right now and he needs time with Nicole.’’

Mike and Nicole are the parents to four boys, between the ages of 10 and 15.

Hazen discussed his leave from the team with his boys, per msn.com:  “They understand,’’ Hazen said. “We’ve been dealing with this for a while now. You know, they’ve taken such great care of their mom…My oldest's reaction was, 'When are you going back?’ I said, 'I don’t know.’ He’s like, 'You are going to go back at some point, right? I said, 'That’s the plan.’’

Thoughts and prayers go out to Nicole and the entire Hazen family.