Overcome Injuries – 

From the day this article is posted, I am undergoing back surgery the following morning. The lingering nerve pain which stems from the lower back down my right leg has become too much to tolerate. It is time to get myself right again and live life normally. I have been gutting it out for too long. So in the spirit of overcoming adversity and setbacks, I want to look at some significant MLB players who went under the knife a few times, among other serious health conditions. Here is a list of those who recovered to overcome injuries and continued to do remarkable things in their MLB careers.

The hardest part about going through a major surgery, is having to start over from the beginning and build yourself back into the player you have always been. Even if the process requires having to reteach yourself how to throw or run. Overcoming the adversity of surgery gives new perspective and appreciation for baseball. This tumultuous experience grants an unprecedented view of how truly special is the opportunity to put on a uniform and play the greatest game on Earth.  

Before we divulge into this list, let’s acknowledge Chicago White Sox’s relief pitcher, Danny Farquhar. He is currently recovering from a ruptured brain Aneurysm he suffered after appearing in the April 20, 2018 game. We wish him all the best that he will be able to pitch again in the future.  

 

For Those Pitchers Who
Dared to Triumphantly Overcome Injuries

Tommy John

You know that made a hell of a comeback when they named an unknown, exploratory surgery after you. 40+ years later, it comes up in everyday baseball conversations. Playing with the Indians, White Sox, Dodgers, Yankees, Angels, A’s, the lefty won 288 games and posted a 3.34 ERA over 26 seasons. In 1974, John began the season 13-3 when he injured his elbow. The procedure was completely exploratory as Dr. Frank Jobe gave John a 1 in 100 chance of the surgery being a success. With his career in doubt, Tommy John returned in the 1976 at the age of 33, making 31 starts over 207 IP while posting a 10-10 record. A scientific miracle for sure which has prolonged the pitching careers of thousands.

In 1977, John won 20 games for the NL Champion Dodgers. He reached the 20 win plateau twice more over the next several seasons. The stat that stands out the most about John’s career, he won more than half of his 288 games after the surgery. 

 

 

For Those Pitchers Who
Dared to Triumphantly Overcome Injuries

Jonny Venters

While we are on the topic of Tommy John Surgery, let’s recognize current Tampa Bay Rays lefthanded reliever, Jonny Venters. Drafted by the Braves in the 30th Round in 2003. He had his first Tommy John Surgery in 2005. His Major League debut came with the Braves in 2010, while posting a 1.95 ERA with 10.08K/9. Additionally, he notched in 4 scoreless relief appearances in the Division Series that year against the eventual World Champion Giants.  

In 2011, Venters lead the NL with 85 Appearances while notching a 1.84 ERA and earning an All Star selection. When a middle reliever makes the All Star Game, he is DOMINATING!!!  He underwent his second Tommy John Surgery in 2013. During his rehab, he tore the ligament again and underwent his 3rd elbow reconstruction just 15 months later. He was released by the Braves following the 2014 season.

While on a minor league contract with Tampa in 2016, Venters again tore the ligament. Fortunately, he was able to go through a ligament reattachment surgery instead of a 4th Tommy John. On April 26, 2018, Venters returned to the Big Leagues with the Rays, throwing 0.1 IP.  2,048 days since his last MLB appearance, it is impossible to say the hard work wasn’t worth it.

Venters determination in the face of seemingly unending setbacks, is a matter of believing in his abilities and never giving up on himself. Overcome injuries

 

 

For Those Pitchers Who
Dared to Triumphantly Overcome Injuries

Chris Carpenter

Speaking of someone who has had their share of surgeries…

Bone spurs were twice removed from his pitching elbow. A shoulder surgery, and follow up to the botched shoulder surgery, Nerve inflammation which caused him to miss an entire postseason and World Series, Tommy John Surgery, and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. That is quite a mouthful.

Needless to say, Chris Carpenter was twice the Comeback Player of the Year Winner. The award no player ever wants to receive. He was also a Cy Young winner and a 2x World Series Champ. In 2011, he twirled Shutouts on the final game of the season to cap an improbable Wild Card birth, and in the clinching Game 5 of the Division Series. As the momentum was rolling in his favor, he was the winning pitcher in the deciding Game 7 of the World Series.

It is quite a contrast indeed. Especially, since Carpenter didn’t figure it all out on the mound until the second half of his career when the majority of these injuries occurred. During his time in St. Louis, from 2004-2012, when healthy, he was one of the game’s best. While with the Redbirds, his record was 95-44. Almost identical to that of Babe Ruth, the pitcher, career record, 94-46.

 

For Those Pitchers Who
Dared to Triumphantly Overcome Injuries

Jason Grilli

Drafted in the 1st Round by the Giants in 1997, a son of a former MLB pitcher, now journeyman reliever made his MLB debut with the Florida Marlins in 2000. In his 15 year career, he has also pitched with the White Sox, Tigers, Rockies, Pirates, Angels, Braves, Blue Jays, and 2 stints in a Ranger’s uniform. In 2002, he fell victim to Tommy John Surgery after just 1 minor league start. He didn’t return to the bigs until 2004.

He helped the Tigers reach the World Series in 2006, by allowing only 1 hit in 5 postseason appearances. During that season, Grilli transitioned to a relief pitcher and increased his effectiveness when he scrapped his traditional curveball for the sharper breaking Slider.

Come Spring Training of 2010, then with the Indians, Grilli suffered a gruesome leg injury while running which required surgery to repair a torn quad muscle. Subsequently, he missed the entire season as a long, indefinite road was ahead of him. 

After being released from the Phillies in Triple A, in July 2011, he was picked up by the Pirates the next day and spent the rest of the season in Pittsburgh. Here in the Steel City, he had his greatest success as he became a full time closer in 2013. Thus, being selected to his only All Star Game that year. For the season, Grilli recorded 33 Saves with a 2.70 ERA and 74K in just 50 IP (13.3K/9IP). As the Anchor of the “Shark Tank” bullpen, the Pirates returned to the playoffs for the first time in 21 years.

While with the Braves in 2015, Grilli recorded 24 Saves by midseason, until he ruptured his Achilles tendon while covering 1B. Yet another horrific injury forced him to miss the remainder of the season.  

As perseverance motivated him to keep going, he found himself in the postseason once again the following year, as he pitched for the Blue Jays in the AL Wild Card Game and Division Series.

As the 41 year old is still rolling, the current Free Agent has recorded just over a strikeout per inning in his career. What has not given Grilli enough praise, in 16 postseason games, he has posted and ERA of 0.00. Simply allowing 5 hits in 12 IP with 10 Ks.

 

 

For Those Pitchers Who
Dared to Triumphantly Overcome Injuries

Jon Lester

As a 2nd Round pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2002, the highly touted prospect was off limits when it came to big time trades in which the Red Sox were in negotiations. The lefty made his MLB debut in 2006 going 7-2. As September came about in the pennant race, Lester was diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. Needless, to say, his season was finished as he underwent chemotherapy treatment. The cancer was diagnosed in remission in December 2006. Overcome Injuries

He rejoined the Red Sox on July 23, 2007. Lester finished 4-0 in 11 starts as the Boston won the AL East. Despite only making 2 relief appearances in the ALCS that season, the 23 year old was called on to start the clinching Game 4 in the World Series against the Rockies. Only 10 months removed from chemotherapy, he notched 5.2 scoreless innings while allowing only 3 hits as the Red Sox completed the sweep.

On May 19, 2008, Lester No Hit the Kansas City Royals, 7-0 ending in an emotional celebration. The Red Sox won it all again in 2013 going 2-0 in the Fall Classic with a miniscule 0.59 ERA.  

In 2015, Lester brought his inspirations to the Windy City and helped the Cubs break their 108 year curse, as he won his 3rd ring in 2016. That postseason he gathered the hardware of NLCS MVP and the Babe Ruth Award. To date, he is 4-1 with a 1.77 ERA in 6 World Series games.  

His calm demeanor in overcoming the unfortunate has gathered him great appreciation both on and off the field. He has certainly paid it forward, via his numerous charitable efforts to support cancer research.

 

 

For Those Pitchers Who
Dared to Triumphantly Overcome Injuries

David Cone

With a Cy Young Award, his 1st of many World Series Rings, a 20 Win season, and a 19 Strikeout game, David Cone was already well established in MLB when his adversity showed up and threatened his career. In 1996, while with the Yankees, Cone began the season 4-1 with a league leading 2.03 ERA when an Aneurysm was discovered in his throwing shoulder. During previous starts, he experienced with numbness in his fingers, even struggling to grip the baseball properly. Even though in his last start before the aneurysm discovery, he hurled a CG victory over the White Sox. On May 10, he underwent the successful surgery which repaired the aneurysm.  

Cone returned to action on September 2. After missing over half the season, he threw 7 No Hit innings while under a pitch limit in Oakland. He finished the season 7-2 with a 2.88 ERA. As the Yankees won the AL East, Cone gathered a loss and a No Decision in his first 2 playoff starts. He then took the mound in the World Series as the Yankees backs were against the wall. Down two games to none, the righty faced off against Tom Glavine allowing 1 run over 6 IP earning the win. As a turning point in the series, the Yankees won 4 straight to take the Fall Classic in 6 games.

Cone won 20 games for the second time in his career in 1998 and collected 3 more World Series rings. Giving him 5 total.

On July 18, 1999, Cone threw a Perfect Game vs the Montreal Expos in interleague play. He struck out 10 on just 88 pitches as he added his name to baseball immortality.

 

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Overcome Injuries

You cannot find enough superlatives when talking about these pitchers and many others who went through the tedious, boring and even downright depressing process to get back into pitching shape. Naturally, they are feel good stories that can win over even a non baseball fan. The time invested along with the doubt and the fear of the unknown can make time stand still. And not for the better…

During these rehabilitation periods to overcome injury, it becomes very difficult to even visualize pitching. As humans, we are tested and pushed to the limits of how strong we truly are. The love of this great game and passion to compete keeps one’s focus on the long and winding road back. Knowing that it is worth doing everything possible to get back on the mound.  

Baseball is a very rewarding game to those who fully dedicated themselves. All Star Games, Cy Young Awards, No Hitters, Perfect Games, and World Series Championships are just some of the few grand instances which stand out. In these adverse situations, one reward that no one can ever take away from you, is the respect one receives when they preserve through the extreme darkness to help a team win.

Keep Dominating!!!

Overcome Injury