MINNEAPOLIS -- Hall of Famer Rod Carew suffered a heart attack near his home in Southern California on Sept. 20, and had a left ventricular assist device surgically implanted to help maintain the pumping of his heart as he awaits a possible heart transplant.
Carew, who is currently out of the hospital and is rehabbing, told his story to Sports Illustrated in hopes of inspiring those who need LVAD surgery or heart transplantation. Carew, 70, said he still plans on being at Spring Training in March and at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in July. Carew, who played with the Twins from 1967-78 and the Angels from 1979-85, remains in an advisory role for both organizations.