Ex-Cub battles dementia, criminal charges

Tough times for Bob “Shorty” Raudman...

Bob “Shorty” Raudman achieved something most men and boys just dream of — he made it to the major leagues of baseball as an outfielder and wore the red, white and blue colors of the Chicago Cubs in 1966 and 1967.

But Raudman, 69, was in an orange St. Louis County Jail jumpsuit Tuesday, living a nightmare as a victim of dementia. He was jailed for allegedly striking his wife on Sept. 24.

A mental health evaluation was ordered after he was jailed. A psychologist determined that Raudman is incompetent to understand the charge against him and is unable to assist with his own defense. Under the rules of court, Judge Heather Sweetland dismissed the domestic assault charge and filed a petition that Raudman be civilly committed to a secure mental health facility. A hearing will be scheduled to determine the matter.

...According to a court document, Raudman said he was hit in the head with a 90 mph pitch while playing for the Cubs in 1967. “He said that kind of ended his career,” Rita Raudman said.

“Shorty has just become so frustrated and angry because of the dementia,” she said. “It’s very, very sad.”