By Times Staff and Wire Reports
Published December 29, 2003
SARASOTA - Yankees owner George Steinbrenner was released from the hospital Sunday, a day after he fainted at a memorial service, and his doctor described his health as excellent.
The 73-year-old Steinbrenner, who lives in Tampa, was released from Sarasota Memorial Hospital about 7:45 p.m. and picked up by family members, hospital spokeswoman Lyn Cassan said.
"He wanted to go home," said Cassan, adding Steinbrenner spent part of the day watching football games. "He wasn't very happy sitting in a hospital bed."
Dr. Andrew G. Boyer said in a statement that Steinbrenner recovered in a few minutes after collapsing during the church service for football Hall of Famer Otto Graham.
"He's doing well ever since," Boyer said. "To be sure that it was nothing more than a fainting spell he has had a very extensive cardiac and neurological workup. All the diagnostic studies were normal. He's feeling well and his general health is excellent."
Boyer said Steinbrenner never had passed out like this before and the stress of being at a friend's memorial service could have been a factor.
Steinbrenner grew up in Cleveland and became longtime friends with Graham, the Browns' star quarterback from 1946 to '55. They were golfing partners and helped each other with charity events. Graham died Dec.17 at age 82.
CALDERON KILLED: Former major leaguer Ivan Calderon was shot to death Saturday in Loiza, Puerto Rico. He was 41. Witnesses said Calderon was in a store when two people entered and, without a word, shot the former outfielder multiple times in the back, police Sgt. Maribel Arzuaga said. Calderon played 10 seasons with the White Sox, Seattle, Boston and Montreal. He finished his career in 1993 with a .272 batting average, 104 homers and 444 RBIs.
HOCKEY: U.S. juniors roll again
Michigan's Alvaro Montoya made 18 saves for his second consecutive shutout in the United States' 5-0 win over Slovakia in the world junior championships at Hameenlinna, Finland. The United States continues Group A play against Sweden, which fell 5-3 to defending champion Russia, on Tuesday. In Group B at Helsinki, Canada routed Switzerland 7-2, and Finland beat the Czech Republic 3-2.
GREYHOUNDS: Cayman Went streaking
Cayman Went won his eighth in a row Wednesday and is the favorite in the All-Star Kennel Preview stakes at Derby Lane. Qualifying rounds are Wednesday afternoon and the final is Saturday. WW Apple Jax of West Virginia is not eligible but is expected to be entered in January's Sprint Classic. The offspring of 1998 champions Stan's Boy Flyer and Oneco Sudsy debuted Saturday, with Stan's Army winning the matinee's second race, Stan's Suds second in the fourth race and Stan's Gig third in the third night race. There will be no admission charge today-Saturday. Wednesday is matinee card only. The track is open New Year's Day for simulcasting and poker beginning at 11:30 a.m., with live racing at 7 p.m.
OLYMPICS: IOC official questioned
Prosecutors questioned IOC vice president Kim Un-yong about allegations he collected illicit money from former South Korean Olympic officials and embezzled funds from tae kwon do organizations. Kim, the world tae kwon do chief, has been plagued by scandals involving him and his family. He denied any wrongdoing. South Korea's Yonhap news agency said prosecutors were questioning Kim about the origins of U.S. dollar bills and other foreign currency totaling $1.5-million they found in Kim's home and allegations he received shady money in return for helping two men become members of the Korean Olympic Committee.
ET CETERA
AUTOS: Matt Kenseth returned to his racing roots in Cambridge, Wis., honored with a parade for winning the championship of NASCAR's top series. He rode with his wife, Katie, on top of a Cambridge Fire Department truck. He had 25 top 10 finishes in 36 Winston Cup races this year.
HORSES: Brazilian-bred Redattore beat Continental Red by two lengths in the $150,000 San Gabriel Handicap at Santa Anita. Ridden by Alex Solis, the 8-year-old ran 11/8 miles in 1:48, returning $4.80, $3.40 and $2.60.
TENNIS: Nicolas Escude received a wild card for the Australian Open, which begins Jan.19. Escude, who starred for France during its upset at Australia in the 2001 Davis Cup final, began the year ranked 34th. He reached the third round at the Australian Open but retired from five of his next nine tournaments because of hamstring, groin and hip injuries.
