Monday, August 22, 2005
An August "Throw"
This past Saturday was our first “work day” at the high school baseball field. The field and surrounding grounds were in bad shape due to weeks of neglect. After fighting with 2 weed-whackers and then switching over to an edger for a couple of hours, I took a break under a shade tree. Justin’s Mother was also taking a break as well. Justin is a returning senior pitcher on my son’s team. As his junior season started last year, he was being courted by the University of Miami and several other schools.
In one of the first games last year, Justin tore a tendon in his throwing arm. When a MRI confirmed his injury, the famous (for those who follow baseball) “Tommy John” surgery was recommended. Those of us who knew Justin were of the opinion that if any young man could come back from such a surgery to regain his former abilities it would be Justin. His work ethic was well known throughout our local “baseball community.”
But even the strong have their weak moments. Justin’s Mother told me that when they came home from the doctor who had just told him that he wouldn’t be able to throw until April 06, Justin was depressed. She said that he went into his bedroom, flopped on the bed and proclaimed to her “this is me.” Justin couldn’t stand the thought of his teammates playing a season without him.
The next day happened to be “Opening Day” for our local Little League. The high school team by tradition lines up on the 3rd base line and “welcomes” each team into the new season. When Justin didn’t show up at the Little League Field, the boys went to his mother to ask her where he was. When the players found out that Justin was depressed and in his bed they made a beeline for his home.
His Mom said the boys told Justin that he was still part of the team and they would not allow him to sulk and give up. She said that one act motivated Justin to go through with the surgery and stay vigilant with his rehab.
Oh, you remember the April 06 date the doctors gave Justin as to when he would be able to throw again. This past Saturday was August 20th. No big deal to you and me but it was to Justin. You see, after we had cleaned up the pitcher’s bull-pen, Justin threw for the first time since his surgery. Keep the boy in your prayers.
In one of the first games last year, Justin tore a tendon in his throwing arm. When a MRI confirmed his injury, the famous (for those who follow baseball) “Tommy John” surgery was recommended. Those of us who knew Justin were of the opinion that if any young man could come back from such a surgery to regain his former abilities it would be Justin. His work ethic was well known throughout our local “baseball community.”
But even the strong have their weak moments. Justin’s Mother told me that when they came home from the doctor who had just told him that he wouldn’t be able to throw until April 06, Justin was depressed. She said that he went into his bedroom, flopped on the bed and proclaimed to her “this is me.” Justin couldn’t stand the thought of his teammates playing a season without him.
The next day happened to be “Opening Day” for our local Little League. The high school team by tradition lines up on the 3rd base line and “welcomes” each team into the new season. When Justin didn’t show up at the Little League Field, the boys went to his mother to ask her where he was. When the players found out that Justin was depressed and in his bed they made a beeline for his home.
His Mom said the boys told Justin that he was still part of the team and they would not allow him to sulk and give up. She said that one act motivated Justin to go through with the surgery and stay vigilant with his rehab.
Oh, you remember the April 06 date the doctors gave Justin as to when he would be able to throw again. This past Saturday was August 20th. No big deal to you and me but it was to Justin. You see, after we had cleaned up the pitcher’s bull-pen, Justin threw for the first time since his surgery. Keep the boy in your prayers.
