Making Progress : Umpire Palermo on Road to Recovery, Walking and Driving an Automobile

DALLAS — American League umpire Steve Palermo, recovering from a shooting last summer that partially paralyzed him, says his rehabilitation is coming along so well that he’s able to drive again.

“So just be careful when you’re on the roads if you come to Kansas City or if you find out I’m in Dallas, because I’m back on the road again and I’m driving as crazy as ever,” Palermo said Monday.

He said that his car isn’t equipped with any special devices.

Palermo, who spent months at the Dallas Rehabilitation Institute, recovering from being shot while trying to thwart a robbery, said he is walking with one leg brace and hand canes.

“It’s a half-leg brace on my left leg,” he said.

Palermo, 41, also said he has taken a few steps without crutches and, with the help of a friend, even has hit a golf ball.

A 22-year-old Ft. Hood soldier, Army Pvt. Kevin Bivins, is serving a 75-year prison term for aggravated robbery that led to the shootings.