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“I lost my life twice that day.” In front of a large crowd of Twins fans, media and friends, Rod Carew sat in front of people and told the story of his life-changing heart attack back in September. He went out to hit some golf balls by himself. He hit the first one, right down the middle, of course. But suddenly he felt a strong burning in his chest. He got in the cart and rushed back to the clubhouse where he laid on the floor and asked someone to call for immediate help. Paramedics twice had to shock him back to life. He said that he either saw his daughter Michelle, who passed away several years ago from leukemia, or another guardian angel because he came back.He said that, along with his wife Rhonda, wanted to keep it quiet for awhile. Then came the Sports Illustrated story. It was an opportunity for Carew to teach, to instruct again. In fact, former big leaguer Clyde Wright talked to Carew recently and told him that after reading Carew’s story, he went and had his heart check. Doctors found 97% blockage and soon after Wright had quadruple bypass surgery. One life saved. This morning at Twins Fest, Carew begged the crowd, “Please. Please! Go get your hearts checked because you never know.” And now Carew and his wife, along with the Minnesota Twins, the Los Angeles Angels, the Baseball Hall of Fame and others are working together to hopefully save more lives. They announced The Heart of 29 campaign. The year-long program is designed to “ to raise funds for the American Heart Association, as well as raise awareness for heart disease and heart failure. The Heart of 29 campaign honors the Carews' wish to assist the American Heart Association following the Baseball Hall of Famer's recent, major heart attack and subsequent surgery.” Carew said the low point was being just like a little baby. Crying. Needing a diaper. Unable to sit up by himself. He lost 30 pounds during the procedures but says that he has now put 27 back in, and he’s back to 187 pounds. He continues to need to carry a couple of batteries connected to his heart as he walks. At night, he is essentially plugged in to a wall. He is now up to two miles a day walking, “at my wife’s insistence.” On May 14th at Target Field, The Twins Cities Heart Walk will take place. It is the largest fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Carew will be on hand, leading the way. (More information to come.) The Twins are debuting their red jerseys this year at Friday home games. On April 13th, the first Friday, the Twins will wear a Heart of 29 patch to honor Carew and the campaign. Also on those Friday nights, fans will be able to purchase lower level Field Box ticket and receive a special Heart of 29 Rod Carew red Twins jersey. A portion of each ticket sold will benefit the American Heart Association. Tickets will be available for purchase through a special online ticket link beginning in late February. Carew said that baseball and the baseball community, especially the Twins organization, have been on his mind throughout his recovery. He’s received many calls from people through all his walks of life. Another goal for Carew was to be in uniform at spring training. He told the crowd when asked, “Oh, I’ll be at spring training!” He is anxious to work with Byron Buxton on bunting and base stealing. Carew wants to teach. He wants to help where he can help. And the Heart of 29 campaign is another way he can help, just like he helped people learn more about leukemia all those years ago. As much as Carew wants to be just a ‘normal’ guy and live a ‘normal’ life, he feels that obligation to help people. It’s quite commendable. It was great to see him at Twins Fest again. It’s great that he’s been able to overcome his heart attack, and he and his wife anxiously await a possible heart transplant. I’d be remiss if I didn’t echo his key point. “Get your heart checked. Please!” For much more information on the Heart of 29 campaign and the American Heart Association, please click here. Click here to view the article