Former Dodgers Star Kenley Jansen Details Tragic Family Health Issues From Offseason
The Los Angeles Dodgers saw their longtime closer Kenley Jansen sign a deal with the Los Angeles Angels this offseason.
Depsite not wearing Dodger blue anymore and being a little further down the I-5 freeway, he will always be a loved and respected member of the Los Angeles community.
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Jansen recently revealed that this offseason wasn’t all about mulling free agency offers and preparing for a season with the Halos, as there was something much more dire regarding the health of his parents.
Jansen told the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast’s Rob Bradford that he had a health scare regarding his mother that forced him to head home before the 2024 season ended.
“I had to rush to Curacao before the (2024) season ended,” Jansen said, “because my mom wasn’t doing great. Luckily she’s still alive, but there’s not a lot they can do for her any more. She’s still hanging. She’s still being strong. And I appreciate that.”
As frightening as this is for the closer, the health scares weren’t done for Jansen and his family.
“On top of that, my dad had a stroke,” Jansen continued. “I had both of them in the hospital at the same time.”
These are truly devastating events for anyone to live through, but to deal with them concurrently is a challenge not many individuals are cut out for. Jansen provided some perspective and wisdom after it appears both parents are in a more stable condition as of now.
“Life throws challenging in my offseason. I’m not going to lie about that, but you know it makes you stronger, it makes you want to live for them and keep working hard.”
Jansen will keep honoring his family and working hard as the Angels closer. He is also eyeing the record books this season as he is only 31 saves away from the third-most all time in MLB history.
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Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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