LOS ANGELES – Legendary Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe was rushed to the hospital in ambulance during the team's press conference to introduce new manager Dave Roberts on Tuesday morning at Dodger Stadium.
The 89-year-old Cy Young Award winner whose nickname is "Newk" was sitting off to the side of the press conference when he became light-headed and fainted briefly.
Paramedics were immediately called to the scene, where they talked to Newcombe who was alert and responsive. The paramedics tried to calm him down before placing him on a stretcher and rushing him to the hospital in ambulance.
Newcombe was taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and we will bring you further information as it develops. We reached out to the team for statement, but have yet to hear back.
Baseball's first ever Rookie of the Year Award winner has had other trips to the hospital recently as well. Back in July, Newcombe was once again rushed to the hospital after becoming ill at Dodger Stadium before a game.
Newcombe was held at the hospital for two days before being released. He made a full recovery and returned to the team where his is a special advisor for the remainder of the season.
Newcombe pitched for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1949-1951 and again from 1954-1958 after he served time in the Korean War. Along with Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella, "Newk" was one of the first Negro League plays to play in the Major Leagues.
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He had a record of 149-90 with 1,129 strikeouts an a 3.56 ERA in his career. He was a four-time All-Star, World Series Champion and won the Cy Young Award in 1956.
UPDATE (4:55PM PST): The Dodgers released the following statement on the condition of Don Newcombe:
"Dodger legend Don Newcombe was taken to a hospital earlier today but is doing fine and resting comfortobaly at home."
#Dodgers legend Don Newcombe was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance after the conclusion of the Dave Roberts press conference. — Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) December 1, 2015
