Yastrzemski surgery 'complete success'

BOSTON, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- New England baseball great Carl Yastrzemski rested in a Boston hospital Wednesday after undergoing emergency triple-bypass surgery.

The folk hero of the Boston Red Sox 1967 "Impossible Dream" season underwent six hours of surgery to reroute the flow of blood around major blockages in three arteries to his heart, The Boston Globe reported.

"The surgery was a complete success and he is resting comfortably," said a statement from Yastrzemski's family. "We are most grateful for all of the prayers and support we have received,"

Daughter-in-law Ann Marie told the Globe the Hall of Famer was sent to Massachusetts General Monday after complaining to his doctor of indigestion and chest discomfort.

He was operated on Tuesday.

Yastrzemski, who will be 69 Friday, faces a lengthy recovery from surgery.

Since retiring from baseball in 1983, he has spent much of his time fishing and golfing.

He lives on Boston's North Shore in the summer and spends winters in Florida.