September 13, 1948

Don Black remains in critical condition at St. Vincent’s Charity Hospital and unconscious after suffering a brain hemorrhage during the second inning of today’s game against the St. Louis Browns.

In the bottom of the second inning Black was batting when he fouled off a pitch from Bill Kennedy. After the swing, he took a couple steps back and then fell to his knees. Visibly not well, Black was offered a stretcher, but left the field on his own power with the aid of teammates. He was immediately taken to the hospital, where he lost consciousness and has not regained control.

Team physician, Dr. Edward B. Castle said Black has an excellent chance of recovering. Black suffered a subarachnoid, which he described as a hemorrhage from the surface vessel of the brain, causing the blood to run into the spinal fluid. Dr. Castle said Black’s brain was bathed in blood and that his spinal fluid was pure blood.

Castle does not believe surgery can correct Black’s condition. The 32-yead old’s chances to recover depend on whether mass hemorrhages develop. Normally, a subarachnoid is fatal instantly.

Castle would not make any predictions as to when the critical period might end.

“If no more hemorrhages develop, he might regain consciousness enough to recognize his friends by tomorrow,” Dr. Castle said.

“Then again he may stay in the present condition for quite a while. At any rate, he is through with baseball for this season.”

His wife Joyce remains at the hospital. Indians team president Bill Veeck and manager Lou Boudreau visited the hospital after the game and remain in telephone communication with family and hospital officials. Black has two daughters, Stevie and Donna.