Jeff Reardon Undergoes Quadruple Bypass Surgery: Remembering the Twins’ “Terminator”

Jeff Reardon, former MLB closer and key figure in the Minnesota Twins’ 1987 World Series championship, recently underwent quadruple bypass surgery. The 70-year-old icon, affectionately nicknamed “The Terminator”, shared a photo on social media showing him recovering after the procedure, still sporting his signature beard. While the image shows the seriousness of the surgery with a central chest incision and electrodes in place, it is a reminder of how baseball legends continue to face challenges off the field.

Fans and historians alike, including Danny Gallagher, who calls himself an Expos historian and has written 11 books on the franchise, have shared updates on Reardon’s condition, highlighting the community of former players and fans rallying around him.

Jeff Reardon’s Minnesota Twins Legacy

Reardon joined the Minnesota Twins before the start of the 1987 season, marking a critical period in his career. Although his first six weeks were rocky—he posted a 10.80 ERA early on—Reardon quickly settled into a dominant closer role. Over the remainder of the 1987 season, he finished with a 3.03 ERA, compiling an 8-8 record with 31 saves.

His impact extended into the 1987 World Series, where he pitched in four games, totaling 5 2/3 innings without surrendering a single run. Game 7, arguably the pinnacle of his career, showcased Reardon’s calm under pressure.

Game 7, 1987 World Series: The Defining Moment

In the decisive matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals, starter Frank Viola gave up two runs in the second inning, finishing his outing after eight innings and 95 pitches. Following the Twins’ approach throughout the 1987 season, manager Tom Kelly turned to Reardon to close out the game.

Reardon executed perfectly:

• Tom Herr flew out to centerfield

• Curt Ford, pinch-hitting, popped up to third

• Willie McGee grounded out to third, allowing Gary Gaetti to throw across the diamond to Kent Hrbek

The Twins clinched the championship with a 4-2 victory, immortalizing the image of Hrbek leaping into the air and the team rushing the field in celebration. Reardon’s contribution in that moment was critical, and he remains a symbol of poise and dominance in high-pressure situations.

Post-1987 Twins Career

Reardon stayed with Minnesota for two more seasons. In 1988, he reached the peak of his career, earning an All-Star selection, finishing 2-4 with a 2.47 ERA and 42 saves. In 1989, he added 31 saves, ending the season 5-4 with a 4.07 ERA. His consistency during these years solidified his reputation as one of the game’s elite closers.

Before joining the Twins, Reardon debuted in 1979 with the New York Mets, later being traded to the Montreal Expos in 1981. He was a two-time All-Star with Montreal (1985 and 1986) before the trade to Minnesota in February 1987, along with catcher Tom Nieto, in exchange for pitchers Neal Heaton, Yorkis Pérez, Al Cardwood, and catcher Jeff Reed.

Later Career and the “Beard Era”

After leaving Minnesota, Reardon signed a four-year deal with the Boston Red Sox, making one All-Star appearance with Boston. In 1992, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves, before shorter stints with the Cincinnati Reds (1993) and New York Yankees (1994).

An interesting footnote: Both the Reds and Yankees prohibited beards, forcing Reardon to shave his iconic facial hair down to a mustache. Despite these cosmetic changes, his performance remained exceptional. Upon retirement in 1994, Reardon held the all-time MLB saves record with 367, a milestone that cemented his legacy as one of the greatest closers in baseball history.

Health Update: Quadruple Bypass Surgery

The recent quadruple bypass surgery is a serious procedure, particularly for someone in his seventies. While the images shared by Gallagher on social media show Reardon’s recovery, they also remind fans of the physical toll of life after professional sports.

Quadruple bypass surgery, technically known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), involves bypassing four blocked coronary arteries using vessels from elsewhere in the body. The procedure is often life-saving and indicates Reardon’s commitment to his health following a legendary sports career.

Fans have rallied behind him, celebrating not only his contributions to the game but also supporting his recovery journey. Tributes have poured in from former teammates, the Twins organization, and the wider baseball community, recognizing both his career achievements and the resilience he has shown in life beyond the diamond.

Remembering “The Terminator”

Jeff Reardon’s nickname, “The Terminator”, reflected his intimidating presence on the mound. Known for his powerful fastball and unwavering focus, Reardon was one of the most feared closers of the 1980s and early 1990s.

Some of his career highlights include:

• Leading the league in saves multiple times

• All-Star selections with Montreal, Minnesota, and Boston

• Pivotal role in Twins’ 1987 World Series Championship

• Becoming the MLB all-time saves leader at the time of his retirement

Reardon’s journey from rookie with the Mets to World Series hero with the Twins shows the importance of resilience, adaptation, and consistency—qualities that continue to inspire younger pitchers today.

Legacy and Fan Reflections

Jeff Reardon’s impact extends far beyond statistics. His calm under pressure in playoff games and his ability to perform in clutch moments have become part of Twins lore. Younger fans, even those who never saw him pitch live, can watch film of Game 7, 1987, and understand why Reardon remains a legend.

Social media reactions to his health update have been overwhelmingly supportive, with fans wishing him speedy recovery and celebrating his achievements. It’s a reminder that former athletes continue to influence communities and inspire sports enthusiasts long after their careers end.

Conclusion

Jeff Reardon’s quadruple bypass surgery is a serious medical procedure, but it also serves as a moment for fans to reflect on one of baseball’s most dominant closers. From his early days with the Mets and Expos to his World Series heroics with the Twins, and his later years with the Red Sox, Braves, Reds, and Yankees, Reardon’s career is a template for longevity, skill, and resilience.

As the baseball community rallies behind him, the hope is for a full recovery so that this iconic figure, the “Terminator,” can continue to enjoy life after baseball. Fans are encouraged to send their well-wishes, honor his legacy, and remember the key role he played in bringing the 1987 Twins World Championship to Minnesota.