Aaron Boone Returns from Open Heart Surgery

As someone who knows what it’s like have open heart surgery and go through recovery I was really excited to see Aaron Boone return to baseball yesterday by playing for the Houston Astro’s. In March he announced that he was having open heart surgery to replace a bicuspid aortic valve. He has had the condition since he was a kid but tests showed it had gotten worst. A lot of people including Boone himself didn’t think he would play baseball again.

Aaron Boone comes from a great baseball family. His dad Bob Boone played as well as his brother Bret Boone. His grandfather Ray Boone played as well. Most people know Aaron Boone for his heroics in the 2003 ALCS when he hit a game winning home run against the Boston Red Sox in the 11th inning thus winning the game and series for the New York Yankees. It is ranked as one of the greatest home runs of all time.

Although Boone went 0-3 yesterday he had a great diving stop at 1st place which he was applauded for by the fans and his teammates. It takes a lot of guts to get back out there and play after something so major like that. Aaron Boone would be a great spokesperson for kids that have heart disease. He is sending a positive message to people not to let limitations stop you from your dreams. My hats off to Aaron Boone for a remarkable recovery and comeback. I hope to see more of him next year.