Former Cubs orthopedic consultant dies at 76

CHICAGO -- Dr. Michael Schafer, who was the Cubs' orthopedic consultant for more than 30 years, passed away Wednesday night. He was 76.
Among the many Cubs players Schafer treated were Andre Dawson, Ryne Sandberg and Rick Sutcliffe, who shared his memories of Schafer on Twitter.

Schafer specialized in the treatment of spinal disorders and sports injuries. He earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa in 1967 and was the chairman of the department of orthopedics at Northwestern Memorial Hospital for 35 years.
During the 2000 Winter Meetings, Schafer was honored by the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) with a 20-year physician's award for his contributions to baseball medicine.
Visitation will be Sunday from 2-8 p.m. CT at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, Ill. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Michael F. Schafer, M.D. Research and Education Endowment at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 420 East Superior Street, Rubloff Building, Ninth Floor, Chicago, IL 60611.