PHILADELPHIA -- Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning suffered a stroke on Tuesday at his home outside Cincinnati, according to multiple reports.
Bunning's family and friends said, however, that the former U.S. Senator from Kentucky is recovering and watching baseball.
"He has been provided skilled care that is leading him on the road to recovery," the family said on Friday in a statement issued to the Cincinnati Enquirer. The newspaper reported that Bunning, who turns 85 on Sunday, is out of intensive care and in transitional care.
"The Bunning family wants to thank the first responders and medical personnel who have been treating dad," the statement read. "We sincerely appreciate the thoughts and prayers of all who are concerned about our father's health. However, so we can focus our efforts on dad's recovery, we ask the press to respect our family's privacy at this time. We will let everyone know as his health continues to improve."

Bunning went 224-184 with a 3.27 ERA in his 17-year big league career, which included stints with the Tigers (1955-63), Phillies (1964-67, 70-71), Pirates (1968-69) and Dodgers (1969). He threw a no-hitter for the Tigers and a perfect game for the Phillies.