Every baseball players worst nightmare is Tommy John Surgery. Tommy John Surgery is when your Ulnar Collateral Ligament in your elbow tears and basically has to be rebuilt in surgery. The rehab for this surgery is anywhere from 6-8 months for a position player and 10-14 months for a pitcher. I, unfortunately, had to have this surgery. I went to Lincoln College on a baseball scholarship to play third base. My third day of baseball practice I threw across while taking infield and I felt a pop in my elbow then horrible pain shot through my elbow and down to my fingers. These pictures are the result of one throw.
I had a partial tear in my UCL and my UCL tore away from the bone in my elbow. My baseball career had ended before it even started. I was absolutely devastated. Baseball had been my life for 19 years then one throw took it all away. I had surgery on May 20, 2016. It is very very painful. It is hard for me to sleep. Overall it is a miserable surgery to have.
After telling you guys my story here is what I have learned since having Tommy John Surgery.
1. Wearing a Sling is terrible
I had to wear a cast and sling for 11 days after my surgery. IT SUCKED.
2. Surgery isn't the end of baseball
For anybody that knows me they know how big baseball was in my life. It was everything. I was lucky enough to be the Assistant Sophomore baseball coach at Canton High school. I had a blast! It was a great group of kids to coach and I couldn't be more thankful for the kids letting me help. Most importantly thank you, Coach Mike Emery, for letting me help you, I can't thank you enough!
3. Stay Positive
Initially when I heard I had to get Tommy John I was so upset. The night I found out I had to have surgery I bawled my eyes out because I thought my life was over. I was obviously wrong! I will one day soon be able to play the game I fell in love with!
4. Be Thankful
Most important thing I've learned from TJ surgery is be thankful. I can't thank my parents enough for driving me to all the tournaments and doubleheaders through the years. I want to thank my Dad for always being my coach. I wouldn't be the baseball player I am today without you. Thank you, Dad. Baseball has brought me a lot of happiness and a lot of sadness. I have met my best friends through baseball and have made unforgettable memories through baseball. For you athletes that are reading this be thankful. All it takes is one throw and it can be taken away from you. Be thankful for those 8am practices that nobody wants to be at because one day you won't have those. Be thankful for the game you hit the game winning shot because one day you will be watching it happen in the bleachers. Last but not least be thankful for all the experiences you've had and the memories you've made with your buddies through sports because one day it'll be gone.
