EX-RANGERS skipper Oates diagnosed with brain tumor

(Arlington-AP) -- Johnny Oates says he and his family have great strength at this time, and he has put himself in the hands of the Lord. <br><br>The former Texas Rangers manager has been diagnosed a brain

Friday, November 9th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Arlington-AP) -- Johnny Oates says he and his family have great strength at this time, and he has put himself in the hands of the Lord.

The former Texas Rangers manager has been diagnosed a brain tumor and will undergo surgery at the end of the month.

The tumor is the most aggressive form, with a survival expectancy of about a year.

The 55-year-old Oates began to experience weakness in his left side late last month at his Matoaca, Virginia, home. Weakness and slurred speech forced him to cut short a telephone interview.

Oates managed the Rangers from the start of the 1995 season until resigning under pressure in May after an 11-and-17 start.