You don’t survive almost a half century in the Yankees’ organization without being tough.
Now legendary trainer Gene Monahan is calling on that toughness in a very important way.
Monahan, a member of the organization for 47 years — the last 38 as head athletic trainer — is being treated in New York for what he and the club are calling a “significant illness” that will force him to miss all of spring training and possibly the beginning of the season.
“I miss not being around my professional family already, but I’m battling,” Monahan said in a statement released by the team yesterday.
“The New York Yankees have gone above and beyond in this most difficult time. I couldn’t do this alone, but with the support and love of my immediate family, my family within our organization and the dedication and expertise of many fine doctors, I look forward to resuming my role with the team this season.”
Monahan has taken a medical leave of absence, and his treatments are expected to last for the next couple of weeks. A member of the Yankees’ family said he planned on visiting Monahan at Manhattan’s Sloan-Kettering hospital.
GM Brian Cashman said Monahan’s statement would serve as the voice of the organization. Manager Joe Girardi said he would likely address the situation Wednesday, when camp starts.
Assistant trainer Steve Donohue will assume Monahan’s duties. There was no announcement who would assist Donohue, who has been with the Yankees for 31 years and has been Monahan’s assistant for 25.
After hearing the news that the Yankees would be without Monahan for spring training, Paul O’Neill immediately recalled how much time a player spends with the medical staff.
“He has been a huge part of the team, and this blows you away,” the ex-outfielder and current YES broadcaster said.
According to David Cone, Monahan’s value exceeded the remedies to fix body parts, applying mountains of ice, detailing tedious rehab programs and making sure medications were taken and scales tipped.
“He is one of the most sincere people you will ever want to meet,” Cone said.
So appreciative was Cone after Monahan nursed him through surgery to repair an aneurysm in 1996 and shoulder surgery in 1997, the pitcher delivered a gift to Monahan.
“After all the rehabs, I think it was 1998, I bought him a car,” Cone said. “He is a big NASCAR guy. I bought him a Grand Am. He was stunned. He gave the car to his daughter, and he tells me she still has it.”