Baseball: Veteran Philadelphia coach Vukovich dies from tumor

John Vukovich, the longest-serving coach in Philadelphia Phillies history and a member of their only World Series championship team, died Thursday. He was 59.

Vukovich, who had been suffering from complications caused by an inoperable brain tumor, died in a Philadelphia-area hospital, the team said in a statement.

A first-round draft choice by Philadelphia in 1966, Vukovich, who served short stints as manager with Philadelphia and the Chicago Cubs, spent the last 19 years with the Phillies.

He was a Phillies coach from 1988-2004. At the end of the 1988 season, he was interim manager for nine games.

During the 2001 season he was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor that was surgically removed and treated with radiation therapy.

Late last year, Vukovich experienced persistent headaches and other symptoms. He was hospitalized in mid-January, although his family and close friends kept his condition guarded at his request.

Hampton hurts left side

Atlanta Braves left-hander Mike Hampton injured his left side during batting practice at Kissimmee, Fla., and won’t be ready for the start of the regular season.

Hampton, starting the seventh season of a $121 million, eight-year contract, will miss the rest of spring training and could be out as long as two months.

Clearing the bases

In Phoenix, Oakland said Milton Bradley will play center field while Mark Kotsay recovers from back surgery, a process that could take up to three months. … In Jupiter, Fla., St. Louis said pitcher Josh Kinney needs elbow ligament-replacement surgery and will likely miss the entire season. After pitching three innings Monday, Kinney said he could not flex his arm fully. … … In Dunedin, Fla., Frank Thomas made his first appearance for Toronto, going 1 for 3 with an RBI in a “B” game against Philadelphia.