Phillies Legend Jim Bunning Recovering From a Stroke
One of the greatest players in Phillies history is recovering from a recent stroke
Phillies fans are waking up Sunday learning that legend Jim Bunning suffered a stroke last week at his home in Kentucky. The former pitcher was transported to the hospital late Tuesday evening, and placed in the intensive care unit.
According to Philly.com writer Matt Breen Bunning was moved from ICU to the transitional care unit on Thursday, and is now resting at home.
“Thanks to the attention of the doctors and nurses at St. Elizabeth, he has been provided skilled care that is leading him on the road to recovery,” Bunning’s family said in a statement. “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.”
Bunning, who turned 85 on Sunday, pitched for six seasons in Philadelphia on his way to a Hall of Fame career. Though he began his career in Detroit, Bunning is a legend in the history of Philadelphia sports.
He pitched in two stints with the Phillies, starting in 1964 through 1967, and finishing his career in the early 70’s in Philadelphia.
In his six seasons with the Phillies, Bunning won 89 games and flashed a 2.93 ERA in 226 appearances. He sits seventh on the Phillies all-time strikeout list with 1,197, and is fifth in shutouts with 23.
Bunning’s number 14 is retired by the Phillies, and he was inducted into the team Wall of Fame following his retirement.
The right hander famously pitched a perfect game on Fathers Day in 1964 against the New York Mets.
After his retirement from baseball, Bunning entered the world of politics. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1987-1999, and was then elected to the United States Senate. Senator Bunning resided in Congress until his retirement in 2011, where he was replaced by former Presidential candidate Rand Paul.
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Bunning was recently seen over the summer at Jim Thome’s Wall of Fame induction, and is a constant attendee of the annual ceremony.