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Panther's return in doubt

TAMPA -- Practice at Plant was somber and short Thursday after it was learned that junior pitcher Patrick Goitia might not return to the team this season.

Goitia was taking a series of tests at a doctor's office Wednesday when he had a transient ischemic attack, or a mini-stroke, said his mother, Kristin Goitia. He was rushed to Tampa General Hospital after experiencing 10 to 15 minutes of numbness on one side of his body.

"He couldn't move his lips, but he was conscious," his mother said. "He knew he couldn't talk."

Goitia had been having problems with numbness and blood clots in his left arm since November and began seeing doctors and specialists this week.

"He was having problems with his hand last month," Plant coach Bo Puckett said. "We thought he was nervous because it was his first year on varsity."

Kristin Goitia said doctors determined that Patrick's blood flow was being blocked by a pinched artery when he raised his arm too high. The problem can be treated, but his ability to play baseball is questionable for now.

Several Plant players visited Goitia at the hospital after practice Thursday. Puckett said Goitia had seen limited playing time this season, but was "going to be a contributor" as he improved. "Our philosophy is that Patrick is still a part of the team, no matter what," Puckett said.

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