Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker revealed
on Tuesday that he suffered a "mini-stroke" last week.
Prior to last Wednesday's game against the Cubs in Chicago, Baker was admitted
to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and diagnosed with atrial fibrillation,
commonly referred to as an irregular heartbeat.
Baker suffered a mini-stroke while being discharged on Friday. He was
immediately treated by the hospital's stroke team, which minimized the effects
of the stroke.
According to the statement, the 63-year-old Baker returned to Cincinnati on
Sunday, and his condition has improved dramatically. His Cincinnati
neurologist, Dr. Joseph Broderick, and cardiologists, Dr. Dean Kereiakes and
Dr. Daniel Beyerbach, expect Baker to make a full recovery and return to the
dugout, possibly as soon as the season's final series next week in St. Louis.
"While at Wrigley Field I was blessed to have our trainer, Paul Lessard, have
the good sense to call in Cubs team physician Dr. Stephen Adams, who examined
me in the clubhouse, immediately determined how serious my condition was and
personally rushed me to Northwestern Memorial Hospital," Baker said.
"Dr. Broderick and Dr. Kereiakes are going to make sure I'm ready to handle
the duties of managing before I return full time. My family and I are very
grateful for the support we've received the past few days from Mr. Castellini
and our ownership group, Walt, our friends, the baseball family and especially
Reds fans. I'm feeling much better, and it's great being back here in
Cincinnati. Chris Speier and my staff are doing a terrific job, and I look
forward to getting back to the dugout."
Speier has been managing the team during Baker's absence.
The Sports Network