Seattle Mariners bullpen coach John Wetteland was resting at home in Denton, Texas, on Thursday night after a trip to a hospital.
The Seattle Mariners say the popular coach was treated for an elevated heart rate.
“My wife and I are very appreciative of the over and above care of our local officers and paramedics,” Wetteland said in a statement released by the team Thursday night. “The circumstances leading to my elevated blood pressure and heart rate have been addressed.”
Dallas television station CBS-11 and the New York Daily News reported earlier Thursday that Denton County authorities described the call from a woman at Wetteland’s home as a mental health issue.
“She said he was complaining of being depressed and contemplating suicide,” Sgt. Roger Griggs of the sheriff’s office told the newspaper for a story on its Web site.
Sources with the team say Wetteland never considered suicide, that the call to police came during a family argument and was a “huge misunderstanding.”
Wetteland’s eccentric, intense personality helped Mariners relievers form a tight bond in 2009, and he mentored first-time closer David Aardsma from early in spring training.
“Every guy in the bullpen would hop on a plane today and fly to Texas to see him if he asked,” Mark Lowe said. “I’m with Sean White, and we were trying on tuxedoes for his wedding on Saturday when we heard the news. The first thing I did was start praying for him.
“John’s got a family that just adores him, and friends who’d do anything for him. He’s strong, and he’ll get through this, whatever it is.”
A musician with a passion for rock ’n’ roll – and a collection of electric and acoustic guitars, which he often traveled with – is married with four children.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
larry.larue@thenewstribune.com
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