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Bob Watson played in the major leagues for 19 seasons and was a two-time All-Star. And, for about a half a year he played for the Red Sox. During his brief stay in
Carmine Hose (84 games in 1979), Watson batted .337 with 13 HRs and 53 RBIs. His OBP for Boston was .401, he slugged .548 and delivered an OPS of .949. Pretty representative of the overall career of the player known as 'The Bull'. Now, Watson is facing one of the most difficult challenges of his 71 years.
Kindney disease has him spending far too much time in dialysis—when he'd rather be traveling to baseball games. Two of his children have offered to donate their kidneys to help their Dad. Watson has refused the offers, saying,
"I told them both the same thing: ‘I’ve had a good life and I don’t want to take a kidney from young people who really need them and still have their whole lives ahead of them.’ That would be very selfish on my part." He's taking his life in stride these days, stating,
"Ten months ago, the doctors told me I could have two years or twelve. Well now I’ve gotten to the point where every day I’m still here is a blessing." Our best wishes go out to Bob for many, many more years.
