Don Larsen, the New York Yankees 1956 World Series hero has entered hospice care. According to a statement by his son, the 90-year-old Larsen, who lives in Hayden Lake, Idaho, has been recently suffering from esophageal cancer. Larsen is the only pitcher to throw a perfect game in World Series history. His last public appearance was in August 2019, at the St. Louis Browns Historical Society Luncheon.
Don Larsen / Terry Ballard
STATEMENT FROM SCOTT LARSEN, DECEMBER 25, 2019
On behalf of the Larsen family, my wife Nancy and I want to express our heartfelt appreciation to Don Larsen’s many friends and fans who have reached out and contacted us in recent days concerning my father.
Shortly after returning from his annual August trip to St. Louis to attend the St. Louis Browns Historical Society gathering, dad was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He immediately began a rigorous program of radiation therapy through Cancer Care Northwest. He recently completed that treatment regime.
My dad is keeping active, despite his age (90) and this continuing health challenge. He recently celebrated a 62nd wedding anniversary with my mother, Corrine, on December 7th at Capone’s, his favorite local restaurant in Hayden, Idaho.
Dad is continuing to reside in his home of over twenty-five years overlooking Windy Bay on his beloved Hayden Lake, where he has spent many joyful hours fishing, frequently with me and our sons, Justin and Cody.
My dad and the entire Larsen family are very grateful for the medical care he has received over these recent months through the Kootenai Medical Center and Cancer Care Northwest, as well as the current assistance he is receiving from Hospice of North Idaho. Dad is looking forward to the upcoming baseball season and hopes to attend Yankee spring training once again next year.
I followed his progress in the 50s and 60s. I met him in person 22 years ago. We talked baseball. I saw him at Old Timers Day 2018 at Yankee Stadium. What a legend.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ADVISING THIS SAD AND DISTURBING NEWS AS WHEN PEOPLE ENTER HOSPICE CARE THEY ARE MORE OFTEN THAN NOT CONSIDERED TO BE " SHORT TIMERS " SO WE SHALL HOPE AGAINST HOPE THIS IS NOT THE ISSUE HERE FOR DON AND WHATEVER TREATMENT(S) DON RECEIVES THIS WILL ENABLE HIM TO CARRY ON - HAVING SEEN DON A GREAT DEAL OVER LAST 60+ YEARS HE ALWAYS SEEMED READY TO GO SO THIS MUST BE A DISAPPOINTMENT AND STRUGGLE FOR HIM TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH - WE WILL ALL BE THINKING ABOUT HIM.
Don was always a true gentleman every time we were with him.he is a legend that will not be beat for WS win.Sending our prayers his way and hope for a speedy recovery.
Thank you for sharing. As 3-time cancer survivor, I know how challenging these days and the diagnosis are. Your Dad is an ace in all respects and I truly enjoyed spending time with him years ago in AZ at Heroes in Pinstripes camp. He is one of a kind!
Don & Corrine our in our thoughts & prayers - met Don & Corrine at Ekness house & later had some good talks at Life Care in Post Falls - may he remain strong & would be great to see him at spring training - take care - Gene McGhan
I followed his progress in the 50s and 60s. I met him in person 22 years ago. We talked baseball. I saw him at Old Timers Day 2018 at Yankee Stadium. What a legend.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ADVISING THIS SAD AND DISTURBING NEWS AS WHEN PEOPLE ENTER HOSPICE CARE THEY ARE MORE OFTEN THAN NOT CONSIDERED TO BE " SHORT TIMERS " SO WE SHALL HOPE AGAINST HOPE THIS IS NOT THE ISSUE HERE FOR DON AND WHATEVER TREATMENT(S) DON RECEIVES THIS WILL ENABLE HIM TO CARRY ON - HAVING SEEN DON A GREAT DEAL OVER LAST 60+ YEARS HE ALWAYS SEEMED READY TO GO SO THIS MUST BE A DISAPPOINTMENT AND STRUGGLE FOR HIM TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH - WE WILL ALL BE THINKING ABOUT HIM.
ReplyDeleteDon was always a true gentleman every time we were with him.he is a legend that will not be beat for WS win.Sending our prayers his way and hope for a speedy recovery.
DeleteThank you for sharing. As 3-time cancer survivor, I know how challenging these days and the diagnosis are. Your Dad is an ace in all respects and I truly enjoyed spending time with him years ago in AZ at Heroes in Pinstripes camp. He is one of a kind!
ReplyDeleteDon & Corrine our in our thoughts & prayers - met Don & Corrine at Ekness house & later had some good talks at Life Care in Post Falls - may he remain strong & would be great to see him at spring training - take care - Gene McGhan
ReplyDeleteMay he rest in peace. Wonderful man.
ReplyDeleteMet Don at the Hank & Moose annual golf tournament. What a gentleman! He graciously signed a H&M baseball for me which I still have.
ReplyDelete