Pat Caputo, a longtime Detroit sports columnist and radio personality, announced Monday that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, describing the disease as a “death sentence.” The news came in a post on his X account, where he also referenced recent serious health complications that required intensive care.
Caputo, who built his career covering sports in the Detroit area, has been absent from both his writing and radio appearances in recent months. He last published a column on November 7 and has not been on 97.1 The Ticket since early December. Caputo contributes to the station’s Evening Sports program, and was a mainstay at The Oakland Press from 1983 until 2020.
“For those wondering where I’ve been: I have been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, commonly referred to as a ‘death sentence,’ and had two other serious ailments which put me in ICU for several days. It was sudden. I’ve literally been on my back for weeks. Bless you all,” Caputo wrote.
Caputo did not disclose any additional details.
Colleagues and listeners immediately responded on social media, offering support and well wishes. Caputo’s decades-long presence in Detroit sports media has earned him a reputation as a passionate and knowledgeable voice, covering teams, players, and sports events with a mix of insight and personal perspective that resonated with fans.
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This sucks. Pat’s been on the radio longer than I can remember, and he’s always seemed like a decent guy. He’s also a walking encyclopedia of baseball knowledge and no one I’ve ever heard in the media is more into minor leagues and prospects than he is. I hope he beats the cancer; the world is better with him on the air.