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Jim Bunning recovering after suffering a stroke

Jim Bunning, one of the greatest pitchers in Phillies history, is recovering after suffering a stroke at his Kentucky home, his family said.

Bunning, 84, suffered a stroke on Tuesday night in Southgate, Ky. He was transported alongside his wife to the hospital, where his family said he was moved on Thursday night from the intensive care unit to a transitional care unit.

"Thanks to the attention of the doctors and nurses at St. Elizabeth, he has been provided skilled care that is leading him on the road to recovery," Bunning's family said in a statement. "The Bunning Family wants to thank the first responders and medical personnel who have been treating Dad. We sincerely appreciate the thoughts and prayers of all who are concerned about our father's health."

Bunning famously hurled a perfect game on Father's Day of the ill-fated 1964 season. He won 89 games over six seasons with the Phillies, compiling a 2.93 ERA and trips to two All Star games. He finished his career with 224 wins and 3.27 ERA in 17 seasons. Bunning entered the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996 with a Phillies hat on his plaque. His No. 14 was retired in 2001 by the Phillies.

He entered politics after his baseball career ended, first beginning at the local level in Kentucky before representing the state as a Republican in both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. He served two terms in the senate and did not run for reelection in 2010.