Tony Beasley has an inspiring story to tell — and sing — this weekend

Singing has always been an important part of Tony Beasley’s life. The Pirates' third-base coach started when he was 10 or 11. He used to be in a traveling choir and sings every Sunday in church throughout the offseason.

Another unavoidable part of Beasley’s story is cancer. The 59-year-old overcame Stage 3 rectal cancer back in 2016 and uses that journey — and the faith it required — to motivate others.

Those two things will come together in a special way Friday at PNC Park when Beasley sings the national anthem prior to the Pirates’ series opener against the Angels.

Two days later, the Pirates will participate in Major League Baseball’s league-wide honoring of childhood cancer awareness, featuring customized gear, a bunch of local support groups on hand, meaningful tributes and much more.

“We didn’t do that intentionally, but any time there’s something about standing up to cancer or raising awareness, I’m in that fight,” Beasley said. “That’s something that I’m always gonna support. It makes [singing the national anthem to open the series] even better.”

Assuming Beasley’s voice cooperates, of course.

He actually lost it at the start of the most recent road trip. Thankfully, it returned toward the end of last week, and it was good enough during a Wednesday dry run.

“Your voice is like everything else,” Beasley said. “When I get home, I have to get my voice back in shape to sing every week in church. In the season, you’re not really in your best form as far as singing is concerned. But I’ll sing enough to get through.”

This won’t be Beasley’s first time singing before one of his team’s games. He did it before a Pirates game in 2010, then when he was with the Texas Rangers in 2017, ’19 and ’24.

It’s hard to not respect Beasley for his positive personality and what he’s overcome. But he likes to joke that players are more than ready to give him a hard time if he slips up.

“They usually get a kick out of it,” Beasley said. “They laugh. Maybe internally, some want me to do well and some want me to have a hiccup so they can mess with me forever. It’s one of those things where you’re kind of putting yourself out there. If something goes wrong, you have to be willing to take what comes with that.

“But it’s all good. I don’t anticipate that happening. It’s just fun.”

Beasley’s singing wheelhouse revolves around gospel music. Asked to name a few of his favorite acts, he cited The Canton Spirituals and Smokie Norful, describing Norful as sort of a Christian John Legend.

The most important part of Friday, however, won’t be Beasley’s style or the notes he hits. It’s the fact that he’s standing there, period.

Beasley was diagnosed with Stage 3C cancer a decade ago, requiring multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

At times where others might’ve grown frustrated or abandoned hope, Beasley leaned more into his faith and was eventually declared cancer-free that December.

These days, Beasley welcomes the opportunity to inspire others.

That could mean volunteering at formal events or simply cold-calling someone who’s going through cancer treatment, sharing his story and what helped him get through the toughest times.

“I went through it,” Beasley said. “I’m blessed that I got through it. … There was a lot that could have happened on my mind that didn’t necessarily have to be a positive outcome.

“I leaned on my faith, my belief in God. It was really a miraculous thing that happened in my body. I’m clear. But I understand what it takes to go through the treatments and what have you.”

All of it offers important perspective for Beasley, which he’ll pass on to players, coaches or anyone around him. Appreciate what you have. Love those around you. Always try to be supportive.

As much as anything Beasley will ever sing, it’s an attitude worth putting on display.

“Whenever I can encourage someone who’s going through it and help them get through it, to have a good attitude about it, that’s what it’s all about,” Beasley said. “I’m just grateful. I went through it. It was an opportunity, not an obstacle.

“It was an opportunity for me to be who I said I was, as far as my faith is concerned and my walk with Christ. And also, it gave me an opportunity to see people in a different light, to really see support and love.

“This sounds weird to say. But you would think it would be the worst year of your life. In many ways, it was the best year of my life.”

Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH on X.