For the past couple of years, Rocco Baldelli has been plagued with a series of leg problems that have seriously limited his playing time. This spring, he began feeling severely fatigued and doctors told him he had a mitochondrial disorder that likely contributed to his leg problems. Today, ABCNews in Tampa is reporting that doctors finally have a diagnosis for Baldelli: mitochondrial myopathy, a rare genetic disorder and a form of muscular dystrophy. The good news for Baldelli is that while mitochondrial myopathy is incurable, his doctor seems to think he'll be able to keep playing. Baldelli himself seems to be taking it all in stride:
"Now that I know what it feels like to struggle with something like this, you kind of understand that people need support and they need help. I'm sure once I sit down this off season and start to deal with MDA more, I'll probably understand a lot more," Rocco said.There's a video interview with Baldelli at the website of WFTS, the Tampa TV station that broke the story that expands on the quote from above. Impressively, all of the setbacks and tests haven't kept him off the field this year as he's been DHing for the Rays for the past month or so. So he's got a fatigue-causing genetic disorder, yet he's agreeing to work with the MDA in the off-season and helping the formerly hopeless Rays to their first playoff spot ever. If you can't find inspiration in Rocco Baldelli, I'm not sure you'll find it anywhere.
Tip o' the cap to SBB for finding this one.
UPDATE: Baldelli and Rays president Matt Silverman have both emphatically denied this report. "The report issued by WFTS-TV Channel 28 is irresponsible and erroneous. We expect an immediate retraction and an apology to Rocco and his family," said Silverman. Of the WFTS report, Baldelli said, "That's awful."
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Hope he gets to play next year. Good guy and talented too.
Go Rocco and good luck !
Rocco even if you never play another game
Thanks from a Fan. My hope is you'll be able
to enjoy yourself to the fullest. Baseball isn't everything in Life. Life is Everything.
You might want to retract that tip o' the cap Pat. There's a reason your link is dead in the story.
http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/baldelli-denies-report-of-muscular-dystrophy/
Hey Rocco,
I have a liitle girl who's 2 years old who is also suffering with a mitochondrial disorder. At this time she's admitted in intensive care, after having a seizure for 21 hours. I know there are several types of mitochondrial disorders and seems as though our doctors are lost with this issue. I heard during the game Monday that doctors found some kind of treatment or medication that allows you to play the great game of baseball again. Because our doctors are lost and I'm slowly losing my baby girl, I'm praying that trying to reach you could some way steer us in the right direction. I,m so sorry to bother you at this exciting time in your life, but I,m just lost and looking for some kind of direction.
Thank you for your time and I pray that you do get my message.
Keep pounding that ball, your a blessing in disguise.
God Bless You, Roxanne
I will try to make this a short story but i have had symptoms of severe leg pain, my legs feel tight, i had to change job positions in my work place (family practice medical office) because i could not be on my feet all day. After 2 muscle biopsies numerous specialist and i still have no diagnosis. The only lab test that was ever abnormal was 3 out of 4 elevated lactic acid test. I have been to the Mayo clinic and Dr. Allan Martin in Dallas Tx. Any other ideas for me?
MLB is my favorite sport therefore this is my favorite timeof the year.I know you are very busy at this time so get back with me after you win the world series.
Go Rays,Dianna
Consider Lyme disease as a possibility.
www.lymenet.org is a great site
Rocco,
I am a 49 year old male with a rare mitochondrial disorder also. I am very interested in talking to you and or your Doctor about this disorder and any onformation on how your going about treating this disorder.
Tjanks Al Harrison