Ex-Yankees closer John Wetteland in hospital over suicide concerns
Photo credit: Newsday/Audrey C. Tiernan | John Wetteland, who saved all four Yankees wins in the 1996 World Series, reportedly was hospitalized Thursday in an apparent suicide attempt. (Oct. 27, 1996)
Former Yankees closer John Wetteland checked into a Texas hospital Thursday, after police departments from two towns came to his house amid alleged concerns that Wetteland might commit suicide. But last night, Wetteland, who served as Seattle's bullpen coach in 2009, said he was back home and suffered only from an increased heart rate.
Sgt. Roger Griggs of the Denton County Sheriff's office told Newsday that a woman - believed to be Wetteland's wife, Michele - called the police asking for help at about 1:30 p.m. local time Thursday afternoon, and that police went to the scene. "He was depressed. That was the story, that he might harm himself," Griggs said. "That was law enforcement's concern."
Wetteland emerged from his house and volunteered to be taken, by ambulance, to nearby Denton Regional Medical Center.
Late last night, Wetteland released a statement reading: "Thank you for your concerns. My wife and I are very appreciative of the over and above care of our local officers and paramedics. The circumstances leading to my elevated blood pressure and heart rate have been addressed. I am currently resting safely at home."
Added Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik: "We were relieved once we heard the details from John and Michele and that John is safe at home and in good health. Contrary to earlier news reports, the reason John was hospitalized was because of an extremely high heart rate."
Wetteland, 43, was the MVP of the 1996 World Series for the Yankees. He was expected to return to his job with the Mariners next season.
