Phillies Notebook: Daulton cancer-free

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Darren Daulton is cancer-free.

The former Phillies catcher, who had been battling brain cancer since June 2013, announced his clean bill of health through social media on Friday. He had his latest checkup and MRI scan earlier in the day.

"When the doctor walks in and opens the door and he starts smiling, then everything is cool," Daulton said yesterday of hearing the news for the first time on Friday.

Daulton, 53, showed up to Bright House Field yesterday morning to watch his former team work out.

"I feel good," he said.

Daulton peered in on batting practice on the main field behind the batting cage with Mike Schmidt, also a cancer survivor, and was in the process of trying to track down chairman David Montgomery, who battled cancer last summer.

While making his way from the main field to the minor league diamonds along the Carpenter Complex, Daulton got a bear hug from former teammate Dave Hollins. While pulling out of the parking lot, Daulton put the brakes on his truck to greet Larry Bowa.

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has said Daulton has a standing invitation to join the team as a spring-training instructor.

"I'll show up - I don't know if I need a uniform," Daulton said with a smile. "But after talking to [Schmidt], it's a part of the season, the year. It's fun . . . I really enjoy baseball still. It's fun to be around."

Daulton underwent surgery to remove two tumors from his brain on July 1, 2013. Nine days later, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Daulton has continued to undergo treatment in the time since. Yesterday, he said he'll continue with monthly checkups going forward.

Daulton has tried to be an inspiring force for others battling cancer since his own diagnosis 20 months ago.

"I've been hanging out with a lot of people from Philadelphia that have similar problems," Daulton said. "It just happens and it happens to different people. I just try to say the right things. There have been a couple that have passed away. It would be nice if everybody didn't have to deal with this cancer situation."