RedHawks Phil Bargman Celebrates Home Run for Life
Published on June 7, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Oklahoma City Comets News Release
OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma City RedHawks and INTEGRIS Health continue the "Home Run for Life" series on Saturday, June 9, recognizing people in the Oklahoma City community who, with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals, have overcome a significant medical event in their life.
Selected Home Run for Life participants will get to take a home run "lap" around the bases between innings, symbolizing the end of a battle against adversity.
"We are extremely proud to partner with INTEGRIS Health to celebrate the lives of those seemingly ordinary people who have overcome extraordinary challenges," RedHawks President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. "Home Run for Life highlights the courage and strength of some very special people in our community."
On Saturday, Home Run for Life will celebrate Phil Bargman, a 24-year veteran of the Oklahoma City Fire Department who survived a massive heart attack in July, 2009.
After returning to the fire station from a routine call, Phil told his commanding officer he wasn't feeling well. Moments later, Phil collapsed and suffered a heart attack, which was caused by plaque breaking loose in the left coronary artery, shutting off most of his blood supply.
Phil was rushed to INTEGRIS Heart Hospital at Baptist Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery. Between being transported to the hospital and during the surgery, Phil had to be revived an astounding 23 times. Dr. Terrie Gibson performed a double stent implant to save Phil's life.
Phil stayed in the hospital for 12 straight days after surgery and was never without his wife, Sharon, or a fellow firefighter by his side. Although the incident was a trying time, it brought Phil and his family closer together.
"My wife checks up on me a few more times during the day than she usually would have," Phil said. He then joked, "I don't know if it's to make sure I'm still working or still breathing."
The heart attacked forced Phil to retire from firefighting, but he now runs a welding business. Along with taking his regimen of medication, Phil has altered his diet and exercise habits. Doctors are very optimistic about his future.
"Dr. Gibson says the medicine I'm taking should keep me alive forever," Phil said.
Come see Phil Bargman and his family in person and cheer him on as he circles the bases during the "Home Run for Life" following the third inning during the RedHawks game Friday night against New Orleans Zephyrs. First pitch at 7:05 p.m. Interview requests for Phil or RedHawks President & General Manager Michael Byrnes can be made through the RedHawks media department.
Tickets for Saturday's game are available through the RedHawks ticket office at (405) 218-1000 or by visiting okcredhawks.com.
Pacific Coast League Stories from June 7, 2012
- RedHawks Phil Bargman Celebrates Home Run for Life - Oklahoma City Comets
- RedHawks Set New Franchise Home Win Streak Record - Oklahoma City Comets
- Chasers Slam Their Way to a 7-2 Win - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Zephyrs Fall in OKC 9-5 - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Tonight's Sky Sox Game Is Suspended Due to Inclement Weather - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Round Rock Express Slammed at Omaha 7-2 - Round Rock Express
- Cubs Snap Losing Streak against Sounds - Iowa Cubs
- Late I-Cubs Homer Sinks Sounds, 5-4 - Nashville Sounds
- River Cats vs. Sky Sox Suspended in Fourth Inning - Sacramento River Cats
- Round Rock Express - Game Notes at Omaha Storm Chasers - Round Rock Express
- Sacramento Rivercats and Manny Ramirez in Town for Four-Game Series - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Pitcher Bowden Joins Iowa Cubs - Iowa Cubs
- RedHawks Attempt to Make Team History - Oklahoma City Comets
- Homestand Highlights (Monday, June 11 - Sunday, June 17) - Memphis Redbirds
- Rangers Purchase Scheppers from Round Rock, Place Holland on DL - Round Rock Express
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
