Report: John Wetteland Taken to Hospital With 'Mental Issue'

Former major league closer and current Seattle Mariners bullpen coach John Wetteland was taken to a Texas hospital on Thursday with what is being described as a "mental issue," according to news reports. It seems that police arrived at Wetteland's house shortly after receiving a phone call around 1:30 PM ET about a "possibly suicidal person."

After police arrived at the home Wetteland apparently came out of his house with both arms in the air and told police that he "needed help." Wetteland was then taken to Denton Regional Medical Center outside Dallas.

Wetteland, of course, was the Yankees closer at the beginning of their dynasty years in the late '90s and won the World Series MVP award in 1996 after he saved all

four of the Yankees' victories in their six-game defeat of the Atlanta Braves. Wetteland retired from baseball following the 2000 season.

He was brought on to be the Seattle Mariners' bullpen coach this season when the team hired Don Wakamatsu as their manager last winter.

The Mariners are aware of the situation but have not released any comments or official statement regarding it.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

11-12-2009 @ 10:22PM

doulaimi1230 said...

11-14-2009 @ 11:34AM

radley said...

From what i read the evelvated blood pressure and sudden neuropsychiatric symptoms all point to an adverse drug reaction. Many classes of drugs can cause sudden suicidal thoughts. NSAID are among the most common. In light of the fact that he was released it sounds like an adverse drug reation, drug companies like to keep this effects hush hush because god forbid someone might decide not to take their drug because they fear for their lives. No better to have them take the drugs and kill themselves.

11-13-2009 @ 3:38PM

Ramon Hernandez said...

Get well soon John. We will keep you in our prayers.

11-13-2009 @ 4:29PM

collectsrocks said...

John, you were so courageous to ask for and seek help. You've taken the first difficult step to gain a happy, peaceful, mentally health life. I know becuse many years ago I took that first step. Now, finally, I have happiness, self confidence, inner strength, wisdom acheived from dark times and a wonderful appreciation for every tiny joyful moment. I send prayers your journey is successful. P.S. You are loved, always remember that and love yourself selflessly. Jordan

11-13-2009 @ 4:32PM

saltyper said...

Im a diehard yankee fan and remember wettland closing for the yanks, and rivera was his set-up man. I suffer from depression so I really sympotize with him; its a horrible disease. Im glad to see him get help before its to late. GET WELL JOHN!

11-13-2009 @ 4:38PM

Sean Boteju said...

Hang in there, John - we are all behind you .. You have a lot to give others, and much to live for .. all our prayers and support go out to you.

11-13-2009 @ 4:57PM

John F. C. Taylor said...

Usually the newspapers are a day behind the online news. They also pretty much present us with the same story. This story is just the opposite on both points. Paper I read this morning made no mention of J.W. being suicidal. He was taken to the hospital with a racing heartbeat. Maybe from an anxiety attack? That would explain the suicidal quote in this article.

11-13-2009 @ 4:55PM

Hi David at DVP said...

I'LL SAY A PRAYER FOR YOU JOHN, YOUR A CLASSY GUY . GET BETTER AND GIVE IT UP TO GOD.

11-13-2009 @ 4:59PM

elysianfields08 said...

Good Luck My Friend . Get well soon

11-13-2009 @ 6:09PM

Lee said...

John you will get better you have so many people that is praying for you. You are loved by so many of us.get well soon.

11-13-2009 @ 6:33PM

CARLA said...

JOHN YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. GOD SPEED!

Lynne said...

Hang in there.. we love you and are praying for you...

11-13-2009 @ 6:34PM

Fatman said...

I thought that they were talking about Pedro Martinez after the way he pitched in the Series.

11-13-2009 @ 6:57PM

Bastard !! said...

I could careless about John Wetteland! Thisis a man that i personally saw gooff and yell at a child and make him cry, because he ask John for an autograph. An autograph!!! A child! Ever since, I hate this guy. Dont appreciate that this child knows who you are and is truely excited to have you write your name on his baseball. NO, instead yell at him, make him cry, then just walk away. And now? I will do as i say you do to the innocent. Iam turning my back and walking away.

11-13-2009 @ 7:02PM

aychimm said...

I congratulate you John, for knowing when to get help. I know what a dibilitating illness depression is, and the stygma associated with seeking help. All I can say is lean on those who offer support, and walk away from those who don't. You have to worry about getting strong emotionally, and spending any time worrying about nay-sayers is only going to hold you back. God speed.

11-13-2009 @ 7:03PM

mojo said...

i hope the guy is ok. the docs will get to the base of his despair. a thing i keep hearing and seeing on the net is that they miss the big contracts or flitted their savings like they were still making 6 or7 figures a season.. most of the pros really don't have a productive learning ability because of their sport is using up a lot of time practing and even more the road trips they make. a high percent of black players never dreamed they would make this much and they don't know how to handle it as the white and spanish match them step for step,never thinking about the fact that someday their careers will be over. it's a scary situation because personnal money managers steal most of their money.

11-13-2009 @ 7:54PM

donovanlxii said...

If he were truly suicidal he'd be dead. He just wants attention. And he's getting it. If he
wants to feel good about himself, why doesn't he go out and do volunteer work, help others less fortunate than he. He could even offer Nolan Ryan his services, advising the lousy Rangers pitchers.