FAIRFIELD, Ohio - Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Joe Nuxhall, known as the ''old left-hander'' to Reds fans, is undergoing treatment for a form of cancer.

Nuxhall, 75, said Thursday he has had four chemotherapy treatments for a lymphoma diagnosed two weeks ago.

''I'm upbeat,'' Nuxhall said. ''Things have gone pretty good so far. We'll just wait and see.''

Nuxhall was the youngest pitcher ever in the major leagues. He pitched two-thirds of an inning for the Cincinnati Reds in an 18-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1944, when he was 15.

After graduating from Hamilton High School in 1947, Nuxhall signed with the Reds and made it back to the majors eight years later. He went 135-117 in 16 major league seasons, all but one of them with the Reds.

Nuxhall began broadcasting Reds games in 1967 and plans to retire after the 2004 season, the first time he will not help describe a full schedule.

He is committed to work 60 games with his partner of three decades, Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman.

His likeness is cast in bronze at the entrance to the Great American Ball Park on the Cincinnati riverfront, which is the new home of the Cincinnati Reds baseball team.