Conditions + Treatments
Tommy John Surgery (UCL Reconstruction)
Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury
In January 2015, which was my junior year in high school (Veterans High, Kathleen, GA), I was being recruited by some colleges to play college baseball. My dream was to play baseball as long as I could, and college was my next step.
I was long tossing with some friends getting ready for my junior season when I felt a pop and heard a snap in my right elbow. I immediately knew something bad had happened. I was examined by a local orthopedist who did an MRI that was inconclusive.
My pitching coach at that time was Damian Moss, who had pitched for the Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants called the office of Dr. Lyle Cain on a Friday, February 7. That next Wednesday, February 12, 2015 I saw Dr. Emily Bell Casey and was then sent directly to Dr. Cain later that day.
When I got into the appointment with Dr. Cain, he told me it was a complete tear. He asked me what I wanted to do. I said, "I want to play baseball now and in college." He responded, "Then let's get you fixed." I was in surgery by Friday, Feb. 14, 2015 (two days after the appointment) where Dr. Cain did a complete UCL replacement (Tommy John Surgery).
I worked very hard, and one year later (Feb. 15, 2016) I pitched in my first game since surgery. I helped lead my high school team to the Georgia 5A state semi finals and carried a 1.65 ERA through the season. I was all region, all Middle Georgia, and all Houston County by the end of the season.
With my grades staying high, I was recruited by Cornell University and played my college baseball there. I ended with a 2.10 ERA in my college career.
