Former Rockies catcher Petrick battles Parkinson's

HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) — Only about a decade has passed since Petrick was a promising catcher for the Colorado Rockies. But the quick onset of Parkinson's Disease forced him to retire at the age of 27.

Petrick's heart never really left the game and this season he jumped as a chance to join the Hillsboro Hops, the single-A short-season affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

He's a special coach, counseling the team up minor leaguers — some still in their teens — about the ins and outs of professional baseball.

Earlier this week the team honored Petrick at a Parkinson's awareness night and the game against the Spokane Indians drew 3,282 fans. Among them was former NBA star Brian Grant, who also has Parkinson's.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/former-rockies-catcher-petrick-battles-parkinsons