Johnny Oates - Get Well Soon!
Diagnosed With Brain Tumor
Johnny Oates watches a game from the dugout
as catcher Ivan Rodriguez (background) looks on.
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, Nov. 8 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 RBIs.
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 Frank Robinson as manager on May 23, 1991.
"Johnny Oates was the best manager I ever played for," said former Baltimore Oriole first baseman Jim Traber, now a radio announcer for the world champion Arizona Diamondbacks. Traber made his comment on Nov. 8 during his "Total Dominance Hour" program on "The Sports Animal," 104.9 FM in Oklahoma City.
Oates and his wife of 34 years, Gloria, have three children and two grandsons.
GET WELL SOON JOHNNY OATES!
