Johnny Oates has Brain Tumor

[Danmel]

According to ESPN, former Yankee player and Texas Ranger Johnny Oates has a brain tumor and will have surgery. Lot of managers with Brain tumors-Dick Howser died of a brain tumor and Larry Dirker had a brain growth of some kind removed.

I wish him a speedy recovery!

[Nome]

Absolutely.

Johnnie, here's hoping all goes well and you are at some Spring Camp.

[YanksRockMan]

Johnny, I hope you have a successful recovery!

[deranged2005]

That sucks. Hope he's back soon

[b-ball-lunachick]

This is awful news...I always liked Johnny and thought he was a very classy guy (and an ex-Yankee) ...

unfortunately it doesn't look good for Johnny:

The 55-year-old Oates, who lives in Matoaca, Va., was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme, the most aggressive form of primary brain tumors. The average survival rate is about a year.

I will be praying for him to beat the odds...god bless you Johnny!

[b-ball-lunachick]

Here's the complete article for anyone who wants to read it...so, so sad...

Thursday, November 8
http://espn.go.com/mlb/news/2001/1108/1275474.html

Survival rate for Oates' cancer about a year

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Associated Press


ARLINGTON, Texas -- Former Texas manager Johnny Oates has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and will undergo surgery later this month.

Oates began to experience some weakness in his left side in late October and was forced to cut short a telephone interview because of weakness and slurred speech. He underwent tests and was told of the diagnosis Monday.

"My family and I have great strength at this time, and I have put myself in the hands of the Lord," Oates said in a statement released Thursday by the Rangers. "I am optimistic about the future. I appreciate all of the kind words and prayers that I have received."

The 55-year-old Oates, who lives in Matoaca, Va., was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme, the most aggressive form of primary brain tumors. The average survival rate is about a year. The surgery will be in Richmond, Va.

"The entire Texas Rangers family is deeply saddened to hear this news regarding Johnny Oates," Rangers owner Tom Hicks said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Johnny, Gloria, and their family."

Oates, who managed the Rangers to their only three AL West titles (1996, '98 and '99), resigned under pressure May 4 after an 11-17 start. He was the AL Manager of the Year in 1996.

In six-plus seasons with the Rangers, he had a 506-476 record, a .521 winning percentage. He ranks second in team history in wins, winning percentage and games managed.

Oates spent 34 years as a player, coach, and manager in professional baseball.

The Glioblastoma Multiforme, which contains a mixture of cell types, is one of the most difficult brain tumors to treat, according to the American Brain Tumor Association. While one cell type is responsive to treatment, other types wait their chance to take over.

Headaches, seizures, memory loss and changes in behavior are the most common symptoms. Surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy are among the treatments.

Dick Howser and Dan Quisenberry, the manager and relief pitcher for Kansas City's only World Series championship team in 1985, both died as a result of brain tumors.

Howser died June 17, 1987, about a year after his tumor was diagnosed. He had undergone three operations and experimental treatment. Quisenberry, known for his submarine delivery and witty personality, died Sept. 30, 1998, about nine months and two surgeries after his tumor was discovered.

Josh Gibson, one of the best hitters in the Negro Leagues before the major leagues integrated, died Jan. 20, 1947, more than three years after being diagnosed with a brain tumor he refused to have treated with surgery.

Before joining the Rangers in 1995, Oates managed the Baltimore Orioles from 1991-94 and had a record of 291-270.

As a player, Oates played 593 games with the Orioles (1970, '72), Atlanta (1973-75), Philadelphia (1975-76), Los Angeles (1977-79) and New York Yankees (1980-81). Primarily a backup catcher, Oates had a career average of .250 with 14 homers and 126 RBI.

After managing three minor league teams, Oates became the first base coach for the Orioles in 1989. He served in that position until he replaced Robinson as manager on May 23, 1991.

Oates and his wife of 34 years, Gloria, have three children and five grandchildren.

[cb2u]

That is so sad, and so scary.

I pray he will make it.

[Danmel]

And to really brighten everyone's day George Harrison has reportedly cheked into Staten Island University Hospital for experimental treatment of his brain tumor!


I think that Kathy( 21 forevers)'s brother has Glioblastoma.

This is all very sad-my prayers are with everyone!

[wexy]

That sucks.

[Luvtino]

I am so sad to read this news. He seems like such a classy man not to mention a very nice one.

I will keep them all in my thoughts and prayers. I will be hoping for a miracle. How terrible.

[bagger015]

My prayers go out to Johnny and all of his family. Get well soon.

[pacewon]

This is horrible news and I wish Johnny all the best en route to a healthy and speedy recovery.

[#1YankeeLover]

Oh my, that's just awful . . .

I hope he recovers fully . . .

-#1YankeeLover

[gurdjieff]

Johnny Oates is a class act. One of the nicest human beings on earth who is filled with integrity and faith.

Let us all pray for him during this most difficult time in his life.

[DW Fan]

What a shame, he's only 55. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

[SanFrANSKY]

Hoping for a miracle ...

[Barb51850]

How sad. I'm praying very hard for him, and for George Harrison.

[NYYFAN]

God bless Johnny Oates.

[penguin4]

Sounds like they're writing his obituary already...

Well, miracles DO happen...