Astros' Boone to have heart surgery

Houston Astros third baseman Aaron Boone said Wednesday that he has a heart condition that will require surgery and could spell the end of his career.

"Initially, my doctors thought that I could delay the corrective surgery because of some variations in my condition, but they are now advising me to deal with the problem sooner rather than later," Boone told reporters at the Astros' spring training facility.

Boone, 36, said he does not consider the condition, which involves the aorta and aortic valve, to be an emergency.

But he will miss all of the 2009 major league baseball season and acknowledged that his career could be over.

"Will I play baseball again?" said Boone, who has known of the condition since he was in college. "I don't know at this time."

Boone, who was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round in 1994, is part of a three-generation baseball family.

He is the grandson of former major league infielder Ray Boone, the son of former catcher Bob Boone and brother of former infielder Bret Boone.

Aaron Boone has played in 1,142 career games, batting .264 with 126 home runs and 555 RBI.