Toronto Blue Jays: Dioner Navarro “retired” taking care of ill wife
Former Toronto Blue Jays All-Star catcher Dioner Navarro stepped away from baseball to take care of his ailing wife.
Baseball players are often known as heroes. Legends. Role models. Typically, they are known for those feats for their play on the field, but former Toronto Blue Jays catcher Dioner Navarro carries that off the baseball diamond.
If you’re wondering why he dropped off the face of the MLB earth, or if he just hung the cleats up calling it a career after a successful tenure in Toronto, we have details of his departure from baseball — thanks to Barry Davis, Outta The Park, and NSR Media.
Navarro’s wife, Shirley, suffered an unexpected medical emergency, one that nearly ended her life in the process.
Shirley suffered a severe stroke and fell into a coma for several months… Doctors delivered the grave news to Dioner that his wife wasn’t likely to make it. In fact, they recommended taking her off life support.
Navarro was faced with a decision that no one ever wants meet in their lifetime. Thankfully, the story does not end there:
They recommended taking her off life support… Miraculously, Shirley did what the “experts” said would never happen. Dioner was by her side when she regained consciousness and opened her eyes.
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Man’s game, Dioner Navarro. Man’s game. In a world where it’s easy to walk away when tragedy or tough times hit, Navarro stayed with his ailing wife. By her side, the entire time.
As of now, his wife Sherley is unable to speak or walk, with her function diminished in raising one arm. Like before, the medical elite have warned Navarro that
“She’s unlikely to improve beyond her current state.”
Naturally, Navarro refuses to give up, hoping for another miracle. He continues to persevere, while leading by example, where he is Shirley’s personal caregiver — raising their family also. At this time, Navarro is keeping his MLB options open, but not until his wife recovers.
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If Dioner Navarro does return to the Toronto Blue Jays or any other MLB team, he will quickly become a fan favorite, where he will no doubt gut out every at-bat with the same perseverance he’s shown by loving his wife. You are a real hero, Mr. Navarro, and our selfish world needs more people like you in it.