Campanella Leaves Hospital, Says He Is Ready for Dodgers’ Opener

Roy Campanella pronounced himself fit and ready Friday to make his season debut during Monday’s opening-day ceremonies at Dodger Stadium.

Campanella, 68, was released from Northridge Hospital Medical Center Friday afternoon, 96 days after he was admitted for treatment of pneumonia and diabetic complications.

Wearing a white Dodgers’ 100th anniversary sweater over a light blue shirt, Campanella cheerfully greeted about two dozen well-wishers outside the hospital’s main entrance, saying that he felt fine and was happy to be going home.

“I plan on throwing out the first ball on Monday, along with Duke Snider, Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax,” Campanella said.

Campanella, a three-time National League most valuable player in the early 1950s, noted that club President Peter O’Malley and several Dodger players had visited him often during his stay. Campanella’s wife, Roxanne, said a few players had given blood, most notably former Dodger Franklin Stubbs.

“And Mike Scioscia,” Campanella said.

“But mostly Franklin,” Roxanne said.

“Yes, but Scioscia . . . he gave that catcher’s blood,” Campanella quipped.

With that, Campanella, who has been a quadriplegic for more than 32 years, was wheeled to his blue van with the “MVP 3” license plates and “Go Dodgers” sticker on the rear bumper and prepared for the short drive to his Woodland Hills home of 11 years.