Houston's Boone has open heart surgery
Houston Astros infielder Aaron Boone had surgery Thursday to repair a longstanding heart condition, the Major League Baseball team said.
The operation was performed by doctor D. Craig Miller in Palo Alto, California, and early indications were that it was a success.
"I spoke to Aaron's father Bob, and he indicated that things went well," Astros general manager Ed Wade said. "Certainly our prayers are with Aaron and the entire Boone family in hopes of a full recovery."
Boone, 36, had known of the condition, which involves the aorta and aortic valve, since he was in college.
He said prior to surgery that he would miss all of the 2009 season and acknowledged that his career could be over.
Boone, who was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round in 1994, is part of a three-generation baseball family.
He is the grandson of former major league infielder Ray Boone, the son of former catcher Bob Boone and brother of former infielder Bret Boone.
Aaron Boone has played in 1,142 career games, batting .264 with 126 home runs and 555 RBI.
