Zach Day’s mind raced in every direction as he ran around the track. He had been bracing for the news for hours, working out with nervous ferocity, unable to sit at home despite being sick with strep throat.
At 12:30 p.m. his cellphone rang. It was his father, Steve.
“Your mom and sister are doing fine,” he told Zach, releasing months of anxiety in both men.
Erin, 25, underwent a successful kidney transplant Friday at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, nine months after nearly losing her life while giving birth to a 1-pound, 6-ounce girl. Zach’s mother, Bonnie, was the donor for the five-hour surgery, something the Rockies pitcher was prepared to do when he left the team last September.
“You sit up and wonder and hope that everything goes right, but you just don’t know what’s going to happen,” said Day, limited to a brief hospital visit because of his own illness. “The kidney started working right away. You can’t imagine to receive that kind of news.”
Erin endured four-hour dialysis treatment three times a week leading up to the operation. She had to leave her job as a schoolteacher. From the moment she was hospitalized May 22, Erin occupied Zach’s thoughts.
He will spend the next two weeks before spring training, taking shifts to watch after his mom’s golden retriever kennel – “There’s a new litter of puppies,” he said – while helping out at his sister’s house. “I don’t mind changing diapers,” he said with a laugh.
As a big-time athlete, Day’s life had become small, narrowed to a fundamental concern: family. He has always been close to his sisters Erin and Emily.
Zach had trouble reconciling playing baseball while Erin suffered, wishing he could be around to help. That he experienced the worst season of his career – he was traded from Washington, broke his wrist and thumb on separate line drives and watched his sinker vanish – only complicated matters.
With his sister and mom due home this week, Day’s upcoming season is suddenly cast in a different light. It seems important again, perhaps therapeutic.
He has gained around 15 pounds of muscle, reaching 219 in preparation for his competition with Sunny Kim for the fifth starter’s spot. His injuries have healed and his confidence returned. He spent the winter wading through videotapes given to him by former Sky Sox Triple-A pitching coach Bob McClure, analyzing the mechanics of Chris Carpenter and Roger Clemens.
“I want to be one of those guys that can pitch 180 to 200 innings, whose team can count on them,” Day said. “Everything was so weird last year, so much going on. I know I can be a good pitcher.”
Besides, it’s already been a great year. His sister is doing better.
Footnotes
Catcher Todd Greene, released by the Padres following the Mike Piazza signing, will hook up with the San Francisco Giants. … Puerto Rican star Carlos Delgado on his country’s anticipation of playing against Cuba in the World Baseball Classic: “There are no tickets left. I don’t have any other way to answer your question.” … Cleveland GM Mark Shapiro took criticism for trading outfielder Coco Crisp in a deal involving top prospect Andy Marte. In two years it will look like another farsighted move by one of baseball’s best executives. “Those are the kind of deals that we have to explore,” Shapiro said. … Jeff Bagwell vs. the Houston Astros could get ugly if the insurance carrier rules the first baseman unfit to play and he shows up at spring training. … Signing innings-gobbler Jeff Weaver makes perfect sense for the Angels if they can get him on a two-year deal. … Eventually Bengie Molina will wind up with the Blue Jays, making them the wild-card favorite in the American League. … Brandon Phillips and Jamey Carroll are names to file away in the Rockies’ search for a utilityman. … With former Colorado Springs prep star Brandon McCarthy ready, it’s still possible the White Sox will deal Jose Contreras. … Another trade that could have legs: Washington second baseman Jose Vidro landing with the Mets, who are desperate to rid themselves of Kaz Matsui.
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-820-5457 or trenck@denverpost.com.
