Post-career Rehabilitation
Ventura's 1997 ankle injury - a compound fracture and dislocation - also affected his leg muscles, which began to atrophy following the accident. Full strength in his leg never returned, and the daily pain from his ankle and leg contributed to Ventura's decision to retire from baseball. After retirement, Ventura limped badly and was forced to walk with a cane regularly. On November 18, 2005, Ventura underwent an ankle allograft. Following the surgery and rehabilitation, he now walks without pain and without a limp. He also sometimes appears on ESPNU as an anchor.
Ventura returned to Shea Stadium for the final game on September 28, 2008 for the closing ceremonies, with ex-teammates Edgardo Alfonzo, John Franco, Todd Zeile, and Mike Piazza.
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