The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
New heart, kidney for Carew
Hall of Famer, 71, has battled cardiac issues since 2015.
Hall of Famer Rod Carew is preparing to receive a new heart and undergo a kidney transplant.
Carew’s wife, Rhonda, confirmed the procedures Thursday through the American Heart Association News.
The 71-year-old former hitting star has struggled with heart issues since September 2015 when he had a heart attack and went into cardiac arrest while undergoing a procedure to open clogged arteries.
A machine has kept Carew alive since he nearly died 15 months ago. Doctors say the kidney transplant will improve his chances for a strong recovery.
After his heart attack, Carew was diagnosed with extreme heart failure with his heart too weak to pump blood to the rest of his body. Doctors implanted into his chest a left ventricular assist device that took over the heart’s pumping duties.
The procedure allowed Carew to resume his life and he toured the country last summer to boost awareness and prevention of heart disease. He attended spring training with the Minnesota Twins and appeared at the All-Star Game in San Diego, where the AL batting title was named in his honor.
Carew played from 1967 to 1985 for the Twins and Angels. He was a seven-time American League batting champion and first-ballot selection to the Hall of Fame.
After returning home from the Hall of Fame ceremony in July, Carew was hospitalized and doctors recommended a new heart.
Phillies: Odubel Herrera agreed to a $30.5 million, five-year deal, keeping the NL All-Star center fielder under contract with Philadelphia through 2023.
Herrera receives a $1.75 million signing bonus payable by Dec. 31 and $1.25 million next season, the last before he would have been eligible for arbitration.
Rockies: Former Marlins reliever Mike Dunn agreed to a $19 million, three-year contract.
Marlins: Former Boston reliever Junichi Tazawa reportedly agreed to a $12 million, two-year contract.
Mets: A judge in Fort Lee, N.J., dismissed a charge stemming from a domestic violence complaint against reliever Jeurys Familia after the player’s wife said her husband did not hurt her.
Padres: Infielder Yangervis Solarte was named winner of the Tony Conigliaro Award, who goes to a player who overcomes adversity. Solarte’s wife died of cancer in September at 31.