{"id":133825,"date":"2026-01-03T15:24:30","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T15:24:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=133825"},"modified":"2026-01-03T15:24:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T15:24:30","slug":"%f0%9f%91%80-good-news-for-twins-fans-hall-of-fame-caliber-closer-jeff-reardon-has-come-through-a-quadruple-bypass-surgery-successfully-updates-on-his-recovery-are-already-being-shared-by-family-and","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=133825","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udc40 Good news for Twins fans: Hall of Fame-caliber closer Jeff Reardon has come through a quadruple bypass surgery successfully. Updates on his recovery are already being shared by family and the team (J)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Jeff Reardon Undergoes Quadruple Bypass Surgery: Remembering the Twins\u2019 \u201cTerminator\u201d<\/h1>\n

Jeff Reardon<\/strong>, former MLB closer and key figure in the Minnesota Twins\u2019 1987 World Series championship, recently underwent quadruple bypass surgery<\/strong>. The 70-year-old icon, affectionately nicknamed \u201cThe Terminator\u201d<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

Fans and historians alike, including Danny Gallagher<\/strong>, who calls himself an Expos historian and has written 11 books on the franchise, have shared updates on Reardon\u2019s condition, highlighting the community of former players and fans rallying around him.<\/p>\n

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Jeff Reardon\u2019s Minnesota Twins Legacy<\/h2>\n

Reardon joined the Minnesota Twins<\/strong> before the start of the 1987 season, marking a critical period in his career. Although his first six weeks were rocky\u2014he posted a 10.80 ERA<\/strong> early on\u2014Reardon quickly settled into a dominant closer role. Over the remainder of the 1987 season, he finished with a 3.03 ERA<\/strong>, compiling an 8-8 record with 31 saves<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

His impact extended into the 1987 World Series<\/strong>, where he pitched in four games, totaling 5 2\/3 innings without surrendering a single run<\/strong>. Game 7, arguably the pinnacle of his career, showcased Reardon\u2019s calm under pressure.<\/p>\n

Game 7, 1987 World Series: The Defining Moment<\/h3>\n

In the decisive matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals<\/strong>, starter Frank Viola<\/strong> gave up two runs in the second inning, finishing his outing after eight innings and 95 pitches<\/strong>. Following the Twins\u2019 approach throughout the 1987 season, manager Tom Kelly<\/strong> turned to Reardon to close out the game.<\/p>\n

Reardon executed perfectly:<\/p>\n

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    Tom Herr<\/strong> flew out to centerfield<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Curt Ford<\/strong>, pinch-hitting, popped up to third<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Willie McGee<\/strong> grounded out to third, allowing Gary Gaetti<\/strong> to throw across the diamond to Kent Hrbek<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The Twins clinched the championship with a 4-2 victory<\/strong>, immortalizing the image of Hrbek leaping into the air and the team rushing the field in celebration. Reardon\u2019s contribution in that moment was critical, and he remains a symbol of poise and dominance in high-pressure situations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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    Post-1987 Twins Career<\/h2>\n

    \"Twins<\/p>\n

    Reardon stayed with Minnesota for two more seasons. In 1988<\/strong>, he reached the peak of his career, earning an All-Star selection<\/strong>, finishing 2-4 with a 2.47 ERA<\/strong> and 42 saves<\/strong>. In 1989<\/strong>, 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\u2019s elite closers.<\/p>\n

    Before joining the Twins, Reardon debuted in 1979 with the New York Mets<\/strong>, later being traded to the Montreal Expos<\/strong> in 1981. He was a two-time All-Star<\/strong> with Montreal (1985 and 1986) before the trade to Minnesota in February 1987<\/strong>, along with catcher Tom Nieto, in exchange for pitchers Neal Heaton, Yorkis P\u00e9rez, Al Cardwood, and catcher Jeff Reed.<\/p>\n

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    Later Career and the \u201cBeard Era\u201d<\/h2>\n

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

    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<\/strong>, Reardon held the all-time MLB saves record with 367<\/strong>, a milestone that cemented his legacy as one of the greatest closers in baseball history.<\/p>\n

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    Health Update: Quadruple Bypass Surgery<\/h2>\n

    The recent quadruple bypass surgery<\/strong> is a serious procedure, particularly for someone in his seventies. While the images shared by Gallagher on social media show Reardon\u2019s recovery, they also remind fans of the physical toll of life after professional sports.<\/p>\n

    Quadruple bypass surgery, technically known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)<\/strong>, involves bypassing four blocked coronary arteries using vessels from elsewhere in the body. The procedure is often life-saving and indicates Reardon\u2019s commitment to his health following a legendary sports career.<\/p>\n

    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<\/strong> and the resilience he has shown in life beyond the diamond<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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    Remembering \u201cThe Terminator\u201d<\/h2>\n

    Jeff Reardon\u2019s nickname, \u201cThe Terminator\u201d<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Some of his career highlights include:<\/p>\n

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      Leading the league in saves multiple times<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      All-Star selections with Montreal, Minnesota, and Boston<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Pivotal role in Twins\u2019 1987 World Series Championship<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Becoming the MLB all-time saves leader at the time of his retirement<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Reardon\u2019s journey from rookie with the Mets to World Series hero with the Twins shows the importance of resilience, adaptation, and consistency<\/strong>\u2014qualities that continue to inspire younger pitchers today.<\/p>\n

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      Legacy and Fan Reflections<\/h2>\n

      Jeff Reardon\u2019s impact extends far beyond statistics. His calm under pressure in playoff games<\/strong> 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<\/strong>, and understand why Reardon remains a legend.<\/p>\n

      Social media reactions to his health update have been overwhelmingly supportive, with fans wishing him speedy recovery<\/strong> and celebrating his achievements. It\u2019s a reminder that former athletes continue to influence communities and inspire sports enthusiasts long after their careers end.<\/p>\n

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      Conclusion<\/h2>\n

      Jeff Reardon\u2019s quadruple bypass surgery is a serious medical procedure, but it also serves as a moment for fans to reflect on one of baseball\u2019s most dominant closers<\/strong>. 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\u2019s career is a template for longevity, skill, and resilience<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      As the baseball community rallies behind him, the hope is for a full recovery<\/strong> so that this iconic figure, the \u201cTerminator,\u201d can continue to enjoy life after baseball. Fans are encouraged to send their well-wishes<\/strong>, honor his legacy, and remember the key role he played in bringing the 1987 Twins World Championship<\/strong> to Minnesota.<\/p>\n