Steve Garvey prostate cancer surgery prompts auction of his trophies

Former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Steve Garvey has undergone surgery in his battle against prostate cancer. The Major League Baseball great reveals his prostate was removed in October after a cancer diagnosis one month prior.

The announcement comes as the 1974 National League MVP and 10-time All-Star makes available for auction many items from his own collection, including his MVP trophy. The Los Angeles Times reports 70% of the proceeds form the auctioned items will be given toward prostate cancer awareness.

"I was thrown a pretty good curveball by God," Garvey says. "I felt I was being challenged to work for prostate awareness for men and the women who love them." Though he's not technically in the clear as far as his own cancer fight goes, gravy says he's "cautiously optimistic." He plans to devote much of his time now to prostate cancer awareness.

Along with the MVP trophy, Garvey will auction his 1981 World Series ring, three NL Championship rings, and his 1974 Gold Glove award. Should he miss the items once they're gone, Garvey says he's "making sure to take some beautiful pictures of each one."

SCP Auctions will make the items available beginning April 10.