Minnesota Twins

MLB legend Rod Carew set for heart and kidney transplant

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:41 p.m. ET

Fansided, Phillip Barnard/Fansided

MLB Hall of Famer Rod Carew is scheduled to have heart and kidney transplant surgery in Los Angeles.

15 months after a heart attack nearly claimed his life, baseball legend Rod Carew is ready to have a heart and kidney transplant surgery. Last September, he suffered a major heart attack while playing golf in California. He underwent six hours of surgery and suffered heart failure while recovering.

Heart donor has been found for Angels legend Rod Carew. He will undergo transplant today pic.twitter.com/dJE0HQKQQZ

— CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) December 15, 2016

Fast forward 15 months later, the 71-year-old has been struggling with heart issues ever since. Carew’s wife, Rhonda, issued a statement to the American Heart Association, thanking everyone for their continued prayers and support.

Carew toured the country during 2015 to promote awareness and prevention of heart disease. He attended spring training with the Twins and appeared at the All-Star Game in San Diego, where the American League batting title was named in his honor.

He played for the Minnesota Twins from 1967-1978, and the California Angels from 1979-1985. He was voted Rookie of the Year in 1967, and MVP in 1977. He was also voted into Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame on his very first ballot in 1991. Twins president Dave St. Peter offered his support to Carew in statement he released.

The Minnesota Twins and millions of baseball fans across the globe continue to be inspired by Rodney Carew. We collectively share our thoughts and prayers with the family of the donor, Rod, Rhonda, and the entire Carew family. We are also incredily grateful for the care and expertise of Rod’s medical team. May God bless Rod Carew.

He retired with a lifetime .328 batting average, and 3,053 hits. It was enough to earn him seven different American League batting titles during his career. His surgery is set to take place at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.