Astros' Boone To Have Heart Surgery

Aaron Boone of the Houston Astros will have open heart surgery to replace an aortic valve.Boone made the announcement Wednesday, saying he has known about his heart condition since college but tests after his routine physical determined he needed surgery. It is not an emergency, but doctors indicated the procedure was needed.He said doctors told him he could play baseball when he recovers, but he’s not sure whether he will.An emotional Boone ((pictured, thanks Rob Carr/AP))delivered the news flanked by general manager Ed Wade and manager Cecil Cooper and in front of a somber room filled with teammates and Astros officials.“It definitely hits home, but I’m doing well with it,” Boone said. “I feel like I’m fairly educated on it now. I have a strong faith and a great family and friends and teammates. I really am doing well and I’m ready to tackle this thing and get it behind me and get on with life.”Wade said a local doctor who did the team physicals and team physician Dr. Jim Muntz wo...