For the first time since 2001, Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt won't be in uniform as a spring-training instructor for the Philadelphia Phillies because of what the club described as a "health issue."
The team said in an announcement Wednesday that Schmidt, who lives in Jupiter, Fla., "is treating a health issue that requires him to be near his doctors and will be unable to attend spring training as a field instructor this year."
Schmidt still "plans to visit camp in the middle of March" as part of his marketing relationship with the Phillies, the announcement said. And he expects to "continue his normal visits to Philly this summer."
No further information on Schmidt's condition was disclosed.
Schmidt played his entire 18-year career with the Phillies and since his retirement in 1989 has served in a variety of roles, including a one-year stint as manager of the franchise's Class A team in Clearwater in 2004.
The team also announced Wednesday the recently retired Roy Halladay will serve as a guest pitching instructor this spring as part of a group that includes former Phillies closer Brad Lidge, broadcaster Larry Andersen, Phillies scout Dave Hollins and former Phillies player and broadcaster Gary Mathews.