Ex-Astros coach who almost died at W.S. parade will be on All-Star Game staff
Houston Astros first base coach Rich Dauer, who nearly died at the parade celebrating the team’s World Series championship last year, will join AJ Hinch’s staff at the 2018 All-Star Game, as the Astros skipper will be managing the AL squad.
Brian McTaggart, Astros beat writer for the MLB.com tweeted out the heartwarming news.
Astros manager A.J. Hinch said Rich Dauer would be uniform with the rest of the coaching staff at the All-Star Game in Washington. Hinch is managing the AL.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) June 13, 2018
Dauer collapsed at the parade in Houston last year, something that was precipitated by him slipping on a wet floor and hitting his head the night before the celebration. It was determined Dauer suffered a subdural hematoma before falling into a coma. He was only given a three-percent chance to live, per his family, after undergoing emergency surgery.
Per Astros, first base coach Rich Dauer had emergency surgery after suffering a blood clot to his brain Friday. Surgery was successful. pic.twitter.com/XZl7YYuaOI
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) November 6, 2017
After three days of touch and go uncertainty, Dauer miraculously recovered. He formally announced his retirement a short time later, although that decision had been made before his frightening medical situation.
Dauer made an inspiring return to Minute Maid Park in spring when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of an April 2 game.
After nearly dying following the @astros’ World Series parade, retired 1B coach Rich Dauer returns to Houston to throw out tonight’s first pitch. pic.twitter.com/JW5m8hpLCs
— MLB (@MLB) April 2, 2018
It goes without saying that the first pitch ceremony proved to be an emotional scene for everyone involved. For Hinsch to include Dauer in the All-Star Game festivities in July at Nationals Park is yet another great moment in a situation that looked awfully dire only six months ago.
