Catcher LaRue says career is over now
Jason LaRue isn't sure whether he was kicked three times, four times or five. Truth to tell, it probably doesn't matter. Regardless of the count he will never play again.
"I'm done," he says. "It's a simple decision."
Speaking from his home outside San Antonio, LaRue related what he has experienced in nearly six weeks since an Aug. 10 incident in which Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto lashed out during a first-inning scrum against the Great American Ball Park backstop.
Cueto's spikes raked Chris Carpenter's back and found LaRue's face, leaving the Cardinals' backup catcher with a severe concussion that only recently began to abate. When La Rue returned to St. Louis, specialists administered an impact test that revealed significant bruising and ordered the catcher home from the ballpark. Surprised by the level of concern, LaRue thought he was improving. Soon afterward he learned differently.
"When it first happened I thought it was just another concussion. I felt within a couple days I would be fine," La Rue recalled. "But I didn't feel good. And for a long time nothing progressed."
Resulting trauma to the brain left LaRue unable to drive or even to cook for himself. Minimal activity created sensations that he likened to seasickness, as LaRue would develop excruciating headaches and nausea.
Cont'd ...
ugh, way to get me depressed