YANKEES SKIPPER’S HEALTH SCARE
Yankees manager gets pacemaker, expects to return within days
TAMPA — Wednesday morning, Aaron Boone addressed his staff and his players from a Tampa hospital bed. Hours before the Yankees manager had surgery to implant a pacemaker in Tampa, he spoke with his staff and then recorded a video reassuring them he expected to be back and 100% in “several days.”
Just after 6 p.m. the Yankees announced that Boone had come through the surgery as expected and was recovering. Boone stayed overnight in the local hospital, the team reported. He was in good spirits.
Until Boone is back, bench coach Carlos Mendoza stepped in to lead the Yankees through spring training.
As to the exact timing of his return, Brian Cashman said it was not a concern.
“The timeframe is I know it could be as early as 48 to 72 hours and if it takes longer, so be it,” the Yankees’ general manager said on a video conference call with reporters before a night game against the Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Cashman added that there may be extra time
for Boone to return to go through the MLB COVID-19 intake procedures and return.
Aside from that, however, Cashman said his understanding is that Boone will be able to fully return to the stressful and strenuous schedule of being the Bombers’ manager.
Boone said so himself in a statement he released through the team.
“As many of you know, I underwent open-heart surgery in 2009, and I wanted everyone to understand where I’m at regarding the procedure that’s taking place today,” said Boone. “Over the last six-to-eight weeks I’ve had mild symptoms of lightheadedness, low energy and shortness of breath. As a result, I underwent a series of tests and examinations in New York prior to the beginning of spring training, including multiple visits with a team of heart specialists. While the heart checkup came back normal, there were indications of a low heart rate which, after further consultations with doctors in Tampa, necessitates a pacemaker.
“My faith is strong, and my spirits are high. I’m in a great frame of mind because I know I’m in good hands with the doctors and medical staff here at St. Joseph’s Hospital. They are confident that today’s surgery will allow me to resume all of my usual professional and personal activities and afford me a positive long-term health prognosis without having to change anything about my way of life. I look forward to getting back to work in the next several days, but during my short-term absence, I have complete trust that our coaches, staff and players will continue their training and preparation at the same level as we’ve had and without any interruption.”
Boone underwent open-heart surgery in 2009 to correct a congenital defect in one of his aortic valves.
Cashman said he was aware of Boone’s health issues over the past few weeks, as was Mendoza. Boone informed Cashman on Tuesday that he would go in for the surgery the next day. It was Boone’s decision to release the news publicly, after he had addressed staff in a Zoom call and his players in a recorded video.
Cashman and Mendoza described Boone as upbeat and confident.
“I’m not gonna say that I was surprised, because obviously I had previous conversations with him. After talking to him this morning, a couple of times when he was at the hospital, he made me feel really good,” Mendoza said. “The way he was talking, I felt good about it. We had an opportunity to get in on our daily zoom calls that we do as a staff and he was on it, and everybody was able to see his face. And that made me feel a lot better. And all of us around here made us feel a lot better.”
“My takeaway was if he’s really in a good place then I’m in a good place because all I care about is him,” Cashman said. “And all we care about is him. And so, how is it. And, I really applaud him for being open with our fans, through the press and just making everybody aware. It is a decision he didn’t have to make.”
Boone also used his announcement to encourage others to take care of their own health issues.
“I also want to take this opportunity to remind all those dealing with heart issues to remain vigilant in your care and to reach out to your doctor should you have any symptoms of discomfort or trouble. Any issue involving the heart has the potential to be serious,” Boone said. “Staying on top of your health is always the first and most important thing you can do for yourself and your family.”
That he took this moment from his life to reach out to other is something that Brett Gardner thinks is why Boone is a good leader.
“Obviously, anytime you hear about what he’s going through. At least for me, anytime you hear about the heart and it’s very, very concerning. So obviously, he’s had some issues there before. Our first thoughts obviously go to him and his well being, but obviously, his first thoughts go to his players and our well being and making sure we feel at ease with what he has going on,” Gardner said. “It was good to see that he’s at ease, and that he feels confident about what he has going on today. And we look forward to obviously getting him back here pretty shortly... We’ll miss him while he’s gone.”