by: Justin Dunio

Clint Hurdle, the gum-chewing skipper of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is scheduled for jaw replacement surgery after obtaining a second opinion from the cousin of renowned Dr. James Andrews, Dr. Andrew A. Andrews, who specializes in jaw and toe surgeries. Hurdle’s injury is a result of years of excessive chewing of large quantities of bubble gum. Dr. Andrew A. Andrews also says that Hurdle’s rare case of purple-skin-when-angry-in-itis contributed to the damage done to his jaw.

Hurdle admittedly has been playing with fire as he reportedly chews an average of 20 pieces of Bubble Yum chewing gum during every Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game. Originally, Hurdle thought he was experiencing symptoms of TMJ – a disorder causing discomfort in the chewing muscles. The Pierogi discussed the ailment with Hurdle, “I knew the time was coming. It’s not a lot different than overworking a pitcher and then being surprised when he has a shoulder injury, which I’m told I do quite often. I’m excited to have new jaw, it’s really going to give me confidence in myself when I’m on the phone calling Tony Watson’s name in a bases loaded eighth inning situation.”

The Pierogi caught up with Dr. Andrew A. Andrews with questions regarding Hurdle’s impending jaw replacement surgery. Andrews said, “I’m excited to finally have a surgery involving someone famous, I’m sick and tired of my hot shot cousin getting all the attention. I don’t even get to sit at the adult table at family togethers.” Andrews eventually calmed down and finally provided the proof we were looking for to show that he’s actually a real surgeon. “I’ve got a tape set up of clips of my kid bunting, I think if Clint watches it while he’s on the anesthesia he might give Andy a big league contract”.

Hurdle is expected to make a full recovery and looks forward to resuming bubble gum chewing activities. He is expected to be ready for Spring Training.