A celebratory Jon Lester gets a kiss from his wife, Farrah Stone Johnson, after the Red Sox won the 2013 World Series. Lester’s son Hudson is in his arms. (Getty)
The story of Jon Lester’s career is unlike that of any other major leaguer. Lester was one of the top prospects in the Red Sox system when he was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2006. He went from focused on becoming a big league ace to focused merely on getting healthy again, only to return to the majors a year later and start and win the clinching game of the World Series.
Lester’s fight with cancer did more than just give him a different outlook on life, though. It indirectly led to him meeting Farah Stone Johnson, who’s now his wife of six years and the mother of his two sons.
As Lester gets ready for to start Game 1 of the NLDS for the Chicago Cubs, here’s what you need to know about about his better half:
1. Jon Met Farrah While He Was Rehabbing in 2007
Jon Lester in 2007, shortly after returning to the field after his lymphoma went into remission. (Getty)
Lester was diagnosed with lymphoma toward the end of the 2006 season, his first in the majors. The following year, he was given the best news he’d ever received: The cancer was in remission, and he’d soon be able to return his focus to the field.
He was on a rehab assignment with the Greenville Drive, the Sox’ Single-A affiliate, in 2007, when he met Farrah.
In August 2006, Lester was 22. He was 15 starts into his rookie season and had won seven of nine decisions. Then, back pain led to a diagnosis of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. It also is known as a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
In other words, cancer. And he beat it. Eleven months later, he was back on the mound, and winning.
But he was single then. He had met Farrah Stone Johnson while rehabbing in 2007.
2. Jon & Farrah Were Married in 2009
Happy Happy Anniversary to my hubby! The most AMAZING and WONDERFUL man I know!! I ❤you! @JLester31 😘
Lester and Johnson were married on January 9, 2009 — a year after Lester finished his first full season in the majors and pitched a no-hitter while leading the Red Sox to their second straight appearance in the ALCS.
3. Jon & Farrah Have Sons Named Hudson & Walker
Loving the off season. @JLester31 gets to hunt and I get to snuggle with these to angels! http://t.co/SH0FNGkxzD
The Lester family has added two additions over the past four years: Hudson, who was born in 2010, and Walker, born in 2013, the year the Sox won their third World Series title in 10 years and second of Lester’s career.
Farrah’s Twitter page is loaded with photos of her family and of the boys going to Red Sox games and/or fishing with their dad.
Red Sox family day. So blessed. #family #MomentsThatMatter http://t.co/HNufBd309D
4. Farrah Was a Nursing Student in South Carolina When She Met Jon
Beyond blessed with beautiful HEALTHY boys!! 💙💙💙 http://t.co/pzHezkt6i4
According to Fabwags.com, Farrah was a nursing student in South Carolina when she met Jon.
Jon’s tenure in Greenville was brief: He made three starts, pitching to a 2.08 ERA, before moving on to Double-A Portland. But he was there long enough to strike up a relationship with Farrah.
5. Jon & Farrah Live in Georgia During the Offseason
My Baby love! 💙💙💙 http://t.co/uJwnZgzjDy
Shortly after inking a new deal with the Cubs, Lester dropped $3.7 million on a new Chicago home for his family.
In the offseason, though, the Lesters live in the small town of Sharpsburg, Georgia.
The offseason residence led some to believe that the Braves would be heavily involved in the Lester sweepstakes last offseason. The Braves did meet with Lester in November, but they ended up taking a backseat to the Cubs, Red Sox, Giants and Dodgers as Lester neared his decision.
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Farrah Lester, Jon’s Wife: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know