Thirteen years ago, he was standing on the pitching mound at Yankee Stadium. He also was standing on top of the world, putting his index finger in the air and proclaiming the Yankees #1.
Soon after that, he was collecting the 1996 WS MVP trophy for his four saves in that WS. With the emergence of Mariano though, getting that final out of the 1996 WS was the last out John Wetteland recorded as a Yankee.
Recently 1996 WS hero Jim Leyritz was DUI and the DUI caused a fatality. Today, more sad news regarding a 1996 WS hero as Wetteland has been hospitalized after a possible suicide attempt.
We can only keep him in our prayers and hope all eventually works out ok.
Update: The Post has more on the story. Wetteland is now bullpen coach for the Mariners. He ended his career with 330 saves and an excellent 2.93 ERA. He was only 33 when he retired.
According to the article, Wetteland has apparently fought personal demons for quite some time. We can only hope that he conquers them—through his faith or whichever method necessary.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Jason // Nov 13, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Sad to read about Wetteland, and depression and suicidal tendencies are nothing to mess around with.
Have you adjusted the format at The Frieze, Mike?
2 Mike Sommer // Nov 13, 2009 at 5:23 pm
No. I know Ty may be working on some things, but I consciously didn’t.
3 Mike Sommer // Nov 13, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Reset. I know I need Ty to look at something…like inserting something into a sidebar, which I can’t figure out, but format is back.
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