Rod Carew nearly died from a heart attack:

Hall of Fame hitter and former Angel Rod Carew has been recovering in Southern California since Sept. 20 after suffering a heart attack and undergoing emergency open-heart surgery.

Carew, 70, of Coto de Caza, had been about to play golf at Cresta Verde Golf Course in Corona when he experienced chest discomfort on the first hole. Paramedics responded and transported him to Riverside Community Hospital. He underwent multiple procedures, including open-heart surgery at Scripps La Jolla Hospital to install a pump.

The news of Carew’s health has been shared in whispers and well guarded among those closest to him. His family requested privacy during his recovery, but he shared his story with Sports Illustrated in a story published Monday. Carew told Sports Illustrated he nearly died.

“I was dead, and they brought me back to life,” he said.

Doctors initially feared Carew would need a heart transplant. But Carew, who was in otherwise good health, has made marked strides with a new pump, making a transplant less of a necessity.

Here’s wishing Carew continues to recover. When I was young, it seemed like someone on the Twins, Tony Oliva or Rod Carew, won the batting title every year.