CdM baseball coach Kevin McCaffrey recuperating after removal of brain tumor

CdM baseball coach Kevin McCaffrey with his wife Brooke and the couple’s 19-month-old daughter Marlee. (Photo courtesy McCaffrey family).

Corona del Mar High School varsity baseball coach Kevin McCaffrey is recuperating at UC San Diego Medical Center after successful removal of a brain tumor, McCaffrey said Thursday.

The operation was done Tuesday morning at the medical center, according to McCaffrey’s wife, Brooke. The tumor was found on the vestibular nerve from the inner ear to the brain and discovered through an MRI after McCaffrey experienced a sudden loss of hearing in his right ear, Brooke McCaffrey said.

McCaffrey, who will be entering his sixth season as CdM baseball coach, will remain hospitalized for an undetermined amount of time, his wife said.

With the help of his wife, Kevin McCaffrey issued a statement Thursday to OC Sports Zone with an update and his permission to share it with readers:

“The surgical team at UCSD is happy with how everything went. The tumor was successfully removed. It looks like the hearing to my right ear was lost. It’s going to be a long, slow recovery but I am up for the challenge. Knowing I get to see the boys, coaches and field will keep me working hard on the recovery efforts.

“I am staying positive as I know a great attitude will help me get through this. My wife is taking great care of me and I am so thankful to have her by my side. Brooke, our daughter Marlee and I are so thankful to everyone who has helped during this process.

“The CdM baseball and turf communities are so amazing. Everyone’s support and kind messages is what kept us going. We love you all and can’t wait to get back out onto the field.”

CdM boosters have supported McCaffrey and his family by establishing a GoFundMe account to help with medical expenses. The boosters informed followers on Twitter that the operation was successful.

Brooke McCaffrey added:

“The surgery was performed by a world renowned surgeons Dr. Rick Friedman and Dr. Marc Schwartz.”

Kevin McCaffrey, who was the coach of the South all-stars for the 2022 Orange County all-star baseball game, was head coach and assistant coach at University High School before taking the CdM job.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com