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Sen · 07-16-2003, 07:38 AM

Here's my actual worst moment...

I had been talking with the St. Louis Cardinals' scouts about getting looked at for their minor league system because I had a fastball in the mid 90 mph range. Since I went to a college that didn't have a team (a whole other story altogether) they recommended that I pitch one season in an amateur league and had scheduled a tryout after that season.

During that amateur season, in a night game in September, I had pitched a good first inning and then had to sit for a while during our at bat because we scored a few runs. When I went back out for the top of the 2nd, my arm didn't feel quite right. I thought it was just cold from sitting, so I decided to pitch through it thinking it would warm up.

After getting 2 outs, I decided that I should take myself out of the game in between innings and figure out what was wrong with my arm. I told our 3rd basemen (who was one of our relievers) what I was going to do and he offered to come in right then. We already had 2 outs and I didn't want him to have to come in without getting warm so I told him not to worry about it, I'd get the next batter and then I'd be done.

I worked the batter to a 2-2 count and my catcher called a fastball. I figured, no problem-lights out. During the pitch, as my arm passed by my head, there was a very loud CRACK -- my humerous (the large bone between your elbow and shoulder) literally shattered. Thoughts of Dave Dravecky went through my mind as I obviously knew what happened.

2 surgeries and 2 years of rehab later, I still have scar tissue that I haven't been able to work out to get my mechanics back. Interestingly, though, my right arm is now about 2 inches longer because of the initial cast they put on my arm that stretched it out before it started to grow back together. That is, without a doubt, my worst sports experience.

07-16-2003, 07:38 AM	#12 (permalink)
Sen Insane Location: Midwest	Here's my actual worst moment... I had been talking with the St. Louis Cardinals' scouts about getting looked at for their minor league system because I had a fastball in the mid 90 mph range. Since I went to a college that didn't have a team (a whole other story altogether) they recommended that I pitch one season in an amateur league and had scheduled a tryout after that season. During that amateur season, in a night game in September, I had pitched a good first inning and then had to sit for a while during our at bat because we scored a few runs. When I went back out for the top of the 2nd, my arm didn't feel quite right. I thought it was just cold from sitting, so I decided to pitch through it thinking it would warm up. After getting 2 outs, I decided that I should take myself out of the game in between innings and figure out what was wrong with my arm. I told our 3rd basemen (who was one of our relievers) what I was going to do and he offered to come in right then. We already had 2 outs and I didn't want him to have to come in without getting warm so I told him not to worry about it, I'd get the next batter and then I'd be done. I worked the batter to a 2-2 count and my catcher called a fastball. I figured, no problem-lights out. During the pitch, as my arm passed by my head, there was a very loud CRACK -- my humerous (the large bone between your elbow and shoulder) literally shattered. Thoughts of Dave Dravecky went through my mind as I obviously knew what happened. 2 surgeries and 2 years of rehab later, I still have scar tissue that I haven't been able to work out to get my mechanics back. Interestingly, though, my right arm is now about 2 inches longer because of the initial cast they put on my arm that stretched it out before it started to grow back together. That is, without a doubt, my worst sports experience. __________________ "I want to announce my presence with authority!" "You want to what?" "I want to announce my presence with authority!!"