Former Florida Marlins manager Jack McKeon is scheduled to undergo heart bypass surgery on Monday morning, multiple media outlets reported Friday.
McKeon, 82, originally had been scheduled to undergo the procedure Thursday at Duke University Hospital but the surgery was pushed back because another patient needed more immediate attention.
The Palm Beach Post reported McKeon, currently a Marlins special assistant, felt tightness in his chest about a week ago while scouting at Double-A Jacksonville (Southern League). Tests showed two blocked arteries.
"I’m fine. I don’t have any pain," McKeon told the Post. "I’ll get this done and hopefully this will last me 25 years."
McKeon managed the Marlins to a World Series victory in 2003. Current Miami manager Mike Redmond was a member of that championship team.
"I’m praying for him and hope everything goes well, and I’m sure everything will be fine," Redmond was quoted in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "You guys know how big a part of my life and all of our lives he’s been. He’s touched so many guys in this game. You look at Jack and you think this guy is invincible. How could this happen to Jack because he looks so young? He’ll be fine."
A cigar lover, McKeon said doctors have advised him to stop smoking. "We'll see how long that lasts," he told the Post.
