Gene Monahan-less Spring Training
Long time trainer Gene Monahan
When spring training opens in 2 days and the Yankees begin defense of their 2009 World Series championship, there will be a VERY familiar, VERY important face missing at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. The Yankees announced earlier today that longtime head trainer Gene Monahan will be taking a medical leave of absence to deal with “a significant illness” that may also keep him out through the start of the 2010 regular season. The nature of the illness has not been disclosed.
Statement released by the Yankees in regards to Gene Monahan:
The New York Yankees announced today that Head Athletic Trainer Gene Monahan has developed a significant illness and is taking a medical leave of absence effective immediately, which will cause him to miss 2010 spring training in Tampa, Florida, and possibly the first portion of the 2010 regular season. Prior to this season, Mr. Monahan had worked 47 consecutive spring trainings for the Yankees organization from 1963 through 2009.
Mr. Monahan will remain in New York to receive extensive treatment, which will take place over the next several weeks.
Quote from Gene Monahan:
“I miss not being around my professional family already, but I’m battling,” Mr. Monahan said. “The New York Yankees have gone above and beyond in this most difficult time. I couldn’t do this alone, but with the support and love of my immediate family, my family within our organization and the dedication and expertise of many fine doctors, I look forward to resuming my role with the team this season.”
For those of you who do not know much about Gene Monahan, he is 65 years old, and has not missed spring training in 48 years, including the past 38 as the Yankees’ trainer. He is the longest-tenured active head trainer in the Majors. Steve Donohue will fill in when pitchers and catchers report to George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday. Donohue has worked the past 25 seasons as Monahan’s assistant and 31 seasons overall in the Yankees organization.
Photo courtesy of Zimbio.com
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All the best Gene…get well soon.