Caray’s Prognosis Considered Poor

Chicago Cub broadcaster Harry Caray remained unconscious and in critical condition Tuesday in a Rancho Mirage hospital, and a spokesman said the family is “hoping for another miracle.”

“Things do not look good,” Bill Wills, a friend of Caray’s since 1982, said. “However, in Harry’s past, there have been many times when things did not look good for recovery, and he’s beaten them every time.”

Tests taken at Eisenhower Medical Center, where the 78-year-old Caray was taken following a fall at a night club Saturday night, revealed that the “prognosis for functional recovery is poor,” Wills said, quoting doctors.

Caray collapsed Saturday night after his heart suddenly changed rhythm, which seriously affected his circulation and the supply of oxygen to his brain.

The Hall of Fame broadcaster has been unconscious and breathing with the help of a ventilator since being admitted to the hospital, Wills said.

Wills, a friend of Caray’s since 1982, said he remembered being in another hospital exactly 11 years ago--on Feb. 17, 1987--when Caray had a stroke.

“I wouldn’t have given you a plugged nickel for his chances to walk out of that hospital, much less return to the announcing booth,” Wills said. “However, I was proven wrong on both guesses. So I certainly wouldn’t try to guess today. We have to hope for the best.”