October 22, 2016
Former Phillies Hall of Fame pitcher and U.S. senator Jim Bunning is recovering from a stroke, according to multiple reports.
Bunning, who turns 85 on Sunday, suffered the stroke on Tuesday at his home in Kentucky. But he is out of intensive care and in good spirits, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer, and was even feeling well enough to watch a Dodgers-Cubs National League Championship Series game two days later. Bunning was moved Thursday from intensive care to a transitional care unit.
His family issued a statement on his health on Friday:
“The Bunning family wants to thank the first responders and medical personnel who have been treating dad. We sincerely appreciate the thoughts and prayers of all who are concerned about our father’s health. However, so we can focus our efforts on dad’s recovery, we ask the press to respect our family’s privacy at this time. We will let everyone know as his health continues to improve.”
Bunning spent six of his 17 big league seasons pitching for the Phillies (1964-1967, 1970-71). He was a nine-time All-Star and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the veterans committee in 1996.
In his first season with the Phillies, Bunning pitched the seventh perfect game in baseball history on Father’s Day against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium.
Following his baseball career, Bunning returned to Kentucky and began his second career as a politician. He served two terms as a United States senator before retiring in December of 2010.
