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Rod Carew discusses health issues on next MLB Network Presents

Hall of Famer Rod Carew made his name in baseball by battling through every at-bat like it was the most important of his career. Now he's bringing that same fight to life after baseball as he recovers from a near fatal heart attack in September and awaits a heart transplant.

We'll hear all about those battles, both on the field and off, on the next installment of MLB Network Presents titled "Rod Carew: The Fight of His Life." The program will premiere Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 9:00 p.m. on MLB Network.

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Filmed at Carew’s Southern California home and Minnesota’s Target Field and hosted by legendary broadcaster Bob Costas, the one-hour program chronicles Carew's on-going health issues. Carew shares vivid details of his massive heart attack and takes us through the extensive recovery process. Carew is very open and emotional about his battle, as are his wife, Rhonda and his heart surgeon, Dr. Dan Meyer, both of whom reinforce Carew's courage and toughness.

(AP)
(AP)

Carew also shares the emotions he's gone through during these past six months and how the experience took him back to the loss of his 18-year old daughter Michelle, who died after battling leukemia.

But while there's sadness in reflection and concern for his future, there's also happiness and hope as Carew has committed himself to raising awareness for heart health.

That hope is shared by California Angels pitcher Clyde Wright, who discusses how Carew’s heart attack may have helped save his own life.

There are many layers to Carew's story, and in many ways it came full circle when he returned to Twins Fest last month to meet and interact with supportive fans.

Of course, Carew's magnificent baseball career is covered in great detail as well. Carew was simply one of the finest hitters to ever play the game. MLB Network could fill another hour of programming just showing some of his memorable at-bats on his way to 3.053 career hits, but they do a good job here of interweaving the entire story.

It's a recommended watch.

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If you're looking for more baseball ahead of spring training, MLB Network will have you covered there as well. On Thursday, Feb. 18, at 9:00 p.m. ET, they will be debuting "MLB Network Misremembers," a unique program that looks back at historic plays in baseball history and one wonders what might have happened had the play gone the other way.

The three featured plays will be Sid Bream's slide at home to clinch the 1992 NLCS, Steve Bartman's interference in Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS, and Kevin Millar's walk against Mariano Rivera in the 2004 ALCS.

It's a fun concept that will no doubt get fans thinking and talking. 

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!