DaytonDailyNews.com

Reds legend Nuxhall hospitalized with pneumonia

FAIRFIELD — Hamilton's favorite son, Joe Nuxhall, was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit at Mercy Fairfield Hospital Tuesday morning with double pneumonia, according to his son Kim Nuxhall.

"He's doing OK. He's where he should have been about five days ago," his son said. "One of his good traits comes back to haunt him sometimes ... the tenacity of not giving up.

"But he's been fighting. He's been really laboring with his breathing and lo and behold, we found out he has double pneumonia."

Mercy Fairfield spokesman Greg Ossmann said Nuxhall was admitted to the hospital around 11 a.m. and said late Tuesday night that he was in good condition.

Kim Nuxhall said he had noticed a difference in his father's health the last couple of days.

"We eat breakfast every morning ... at Bob Evans and the last few days he's come in totally out of breath, and I told him this is not good," he said. "He said, 'Oh, I'll be all right.'

"We ate dinner (on Monday) at his house and he wasn't doing well."

Kim Nuxhall said when he saw his father Tuesday at breakfast, he gave him two choices.

"I said, 'OK, here are your two choices: Choice No. 1, you can go see the doctor, or choice No. 2, we'll have the ambulance take you to the doctor," he said. "He selected choice No. 1."

Nuxhall, 77, became the youngest person to play a Major League Baseball game when he became a pitcher at age 15.

The news of Nuxhall's hospitalization was unexpected to everyone who knew him — including Howard Dirksen. former Fairfield mayor and current president of the Fairfield Community Foundation, which oversees the Joe Nuxhall's Character Education Fund.

"I certainly wish him well. He's been very resilient in the past," Dirksen said. "He's had some health issues that he was able to work through and fight through, so I certainly hope for the best and will say a prayer for him."

Nuxhall spent more than six decades with the Cincinnati Reds as a player and broadcaster. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1947 where he played football, basketball and baseball.

His contributions to baseball have only been surpassed by his contributions to Hamilton and surrounding communities.

Nuxhall has given his name — and countless dollars and time — to improve his community, from buildings to character building programs.

"He's a good man for our community," Dirksen said. "He helps give back in many ways."

Although the elder Nuxhall remained hospitalized Tuesday night, his son said he is optimistic about his father's health.

"They'll do some kind of a standard test (this) morning," he said. "He's doing OK.

"I think his blood pressure was good and I think that's a good sign. He's where he should be."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2190 or khardy@coxohio.com.