BOSTON - The Yankees likely will be without Joba Chamberlain on Monday night in Tampa Bay, as the reliever left the team on Sunday night to tend to his ailing father.

According to sources, Harlan Chamberlain collapsed at his home in Lincoln, Neb. He was listed in critical condition at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln, a nursing supervisor there told the Daily News on Sunday night. Chamberlain learned the news after the Yankees' loss to the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Chamberlain's sister called a Yankees official during the eighth inning in an attempt to reach Chamberlain, who was in the bullpen at the time.

After the game, a source said, Chamberlain returned the call, only to learn of his father's collapse.

Sources said Chamberlain broke down in tears inside the clubhouse, as manager Joe Girardi consoled him.

Asked about the situation, Girardi told The News, "Personal stuff stays in there," pointing to the clubhouse.

A team official said Chamberlain was not going to join the Yankees for their charter flight to Tampa on Sunday night, though he didn't know when the pitcher would be heading back to Nebraska.

Harlan Chamberlain has had a long history of medical problems, including polio and a burst appendix, and is confined to a motorized scooter. The 55-year-old was in New York for the Yankees' opening home stand, then attended last week's games in Kansas City, a three-hour drive from his home.

Harlan also made trips to watch Joba and the Yankees in Kansas City and the Bronx last season, when his son burst into prominence as a Yankee reliever, and became a popular figure around Yankee Stadium, with fans often calling out to him on his scooter. He was greeted warmly by Joe Torre last year and Joe Girardi this year, and particularly enjoyed getting the opportunity to speak with Reggie Jackson.

Harlan Chamberlain has struggled with his health, with the left side of his body slowly deteriorating, according to a story in the Daily Nebraskan last November. The paper said Harlan can no longer hear efficiently out of his left ear.

Harlan Chamberlain works as a prison counselor for the state of Nebraska and also as a ticket-taker at University of Nebraska sporting events.

Article Courtesy of New York Daily News