The Red Sox’ Jon Lester after striking out the last two batters he faced in the third inning of Game Four Sunday night.

The Providence Journal / Bob Breidenbach

DENVER — The first thing Jon Lester wanted to do after the Red Sox won the World Series was to grab the Commissioner’s Trophy and bring it to his parents out on the field.

He wasn’t able to snag it right away, but the family shared a special moment because of what the Lester family has been through since Jon was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2006. Sunday night was the culmination of an intense year, and Lester earned the victory on the mound for the Red Sox.

“That’s probably the single most important thing that happened, if you look at the broad picture,” said Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein. “This kid was facing the most serious challenge any of us will ever face, and in just a little over a year he comes back and is the winning pitcher in the World Series’ deciding game. It’s a fairy tale. It’s not an accident. He’s a great kid and was a model for our entire organization with the courage he displayed in tackling his illness, and now it’s fitting he led us to victory.”

Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said recently, when asked about Lester, that it’s fitting he would pitch in Game Four of the World Series.

“God has his fingerprints on this one,” said the Rockies manager.

Lester, who after Game Four had finished was sporting the biggest smile anyone has seen on him since he’s been in the organization, agrees.

“You couldn’t have written a better story,” he said. “It’s unbelievable how this turned out. A year ago I knew I would be back in baseball, but I didn’t know when. In this situation, with these guys, it just unbelievable. I’m just glad I could go out there and help and compete and do well.”

jmcdonal@projo.com