Oakland Athletics' pitcher Brandon McCarthy was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday, less than a week after getting emergency brain surgery resulting from taking a line drive to the head.
In one of the scarier moments of the season, a line drive by Los Angeles Angels shortstop Erick Aybar screamed back straight at McCarthy and struck him in the side of the head. The pitcher walked off the field under his own power, but was later admitted to the hospital and operated on for a brain contusion and a skull fracture.
McCarthy, one of baseball's more prolific tweeters, responded in his usual humorous fashion.
WELL IF BEING DISCHARGED FROM THE HOSPITAL ISNT THE BEST TIME TO ASK ABOUT A THREESOME THEN IM FRESH OUT OF IDEAS
— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) September 11, 2012
He also released a much more serious statement through the A's front office after leaving the hospital.
"From the bottom of our hearts, (my wife) Amanda and I want to thank everyone who was involved in responding to and treating my injury, starting with Dr. Weber and all the team's medical personnel from doctors Allan Pont, Elliott Schwartz and Jon Dickinson to the Oakland A's athletic trainers, as well as the other physicians and nurses who were on duty around the clock in the Critical Care Unit at California Pacific. We feel the same way about the ambulance driver and those who first met us at the hospital. We could not have been in better hands."
"We also want to express our deep appreciation to our teammates, manager and coaching staff for their concern and encouragement during the uncertain times, and also want to thank all the A's fans who wished us well. It's times like these when you realize you have an extended family, and feel so fortunate. Now we look forward to continuing the healing process, and returning to baseball and our normal lives in the weeks and months ahead. Go A's!"