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Parkinson's Ends ex-Tiger's Career Detroit Free Press, MI May 21, 2004 BY JOHN LOWE FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER OAKLAND, Calif. -- Ben Petrick faced an unusual challenge as he tried to establish himself with the Tigers last season. He knew that he had Parkinson's Disease. Petrick announced his retirement Thursday. Then he disclosed in an interview with the Denver-based Rocky Mountain News that he has known for four years that he has had Parkinson's. The Tigers released the 27-year-old Petrick in mid-April, soon after he was sent to the minors to start the season. He played most recently for San Diego's Triple-A club in Portland, Ore. Petrick said that the disease affected the dexterity on the left side of his body. He said that medication neutralized it and prevented the disease from affecting his play physically. But the disease affected his outlook. "I was not enjoying playing as much as I used to," Petrick told the Rocky Mountain News. "I began to wonder if it was worth the time and medication. I felt it is time to step back and reorganize my life. I still love the game, but I don't love playing it as much. I have other things I want to do." Petrick, a one-time top prospect with Colorado, came to the Tigers from the Rockies last July in exchange for pitcher Adam Bernero. In 43 games for the Tigers, he hit .225 with four homers and 12 RBIs. He played catcher, first and the outfield for the Tigers. SOURCE: Detroit Free Press, MI http://www.freep.com/sports/tigers/tcorn21_20040521.htm * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn