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Former Chicago Cub committed in Duluth

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Nov 14, 2011 at 9:01 am

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) - A former professional baseball player who suffers from dementia and was accused of assaulting his wife in Duluth has been civilly committed as mentally ill.

The Duluth News Tribune reports 69-year-old Bob "Shorty'' Raudman has been committed for six months to receive mental health care and treatment.

Raudman was jailed for allegedly striking his wife on Sept. 24. On Thursday, Judge Heather Sweetland found clear and convincing evidence that Raudman should be committed.

Raudman's wife, Rita, told the News Tribune that she hopes he can get the therapy and medication he needs so they can again be a couple. She says she grew up in Duluth.

According to baseball-reference.com, Raudman was drafted by the Chicago Cubs out of high school in 1961. He played professionally for eight seasons, including short stints with the big league club in 1966 and 1967.