ST. LOUIS – Former Cardinal Chris Duncan has died following a years-long battle with brain cancer, the team announced Friday. He was 38.

The announcement came during Fox Sports Midwest’s broadcast of the Cardinals-Pirates game in Pittsburgh.

“The Cardinals are deeply saddened by the passing of Chris Duncan and extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Amy, the entire Duncan family, and his many friends,” said Cardinals Chairman and CEO Bill DeWitt Jr. “Chris was an integral part of our 2006 championship team and a great teammate and friend to many in the organization.”

Duncan, son of Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan and brother of former major leaguer Shelley Duncan, played with the Redbirds from 2005 to 2009.

Duncan hit his first major league home run on October 2, 2005, which was the last regular-season homer hit at Busch Stadium II. He was selected as the team’s rookie of the year.

His last game in the major leagues came with the Cardinals on July 20, 2009. After retiring in 2010, he joined WXOS in October 2011. One year later, Duncan was diagnosed with a brain tumor and took time off to treat the disease.

In January 2019, the cancer returned and Duncan went on permanent leave from his radio gig at 101.1 ESPN to continue his fight.

In parts of five seasons with the Cardinals, 2006 was Duncan’s best with the club. He hit 22 homers and Cardinals went on to win the World Series.