I've posted on here before about TJ surgery, with questions, replies and updates.

Well, I wanted to give everyone an update, Gary had TJ surgery in Sept. 07 performed by Dr. Andrews and he's gone thru the throwing program. In February, we saw Dr. Andrews in Pensacola, and Gary was released to pitch after all of his simulated games. Friday, April 18th, Gary pitched in his first game against real competition. He threw 40 pitches, struck out 5, walked 0 and gave up no runs in 2.1 innings.

This was a very emotional moment for both his mother and I. I was just glad to see his arm still attached when he came off the mound

Also on a side note, Gary was a 88-92 mph guy this summer. He was 88-89 for two innings hitting 91 once. I was more impressed with his location and the movement on his pitches. Hope this gives hope to some other guys out there.

Thanks for the update dawduck. Glad to hear the good news.

Sounds like he is nearly back to 100%---great news

Good Stuff...

dawgduck,

Thanks for the update. That must be a huge relief. Nice recovery.

Thanks for sharing. I'm sure your son will be an inspiration to some of the players here facing a similar situation!!

dawgduck,

Glad to here your son is doing well. After some of your previous post we were hoping he was doing well. My son had his T.J surgery on August 3rd 07. He was released to play second a couple of weeks ago. We've kind of slowed down on the throwing off of the mound. His arm feels strong but our doctor wants him to wait untill summer to start pitching. Andrew is only a junior so he still has next year.

Does your son still play infield and if he does how's he doing?

Well good luck to your son and stay in touch.


Banditsbb

I had TJ surgery right at the end of July and so far my recovery is going good. I have the arm strength to pretty much long toss everyday at full speed, so that is a plus. Bullpens have been going fairly well. I think my velocity will be there but as of now it is location that is difficult. Looking to throw in my first game this coming May. Although being prepared for fall practice in September is the next goal as of now.

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement, this site is wonderful and full of information that is needed.

banditbb- we started out the season just DH, but now he plays 3rd full time. It's amazing but it just seems like there just hasn't been that much action there as past years so that has been a good thing. Also wanted to let you know, his college coaches were at the game to watch him pitch and they said that they were adopting the TJ throwing program into their system for all their pitchers. They were amazed at his recovery. When his hs coach came to get him off the mound after his 40 pitches the coach asked him how he felt, Gary told him that he was just getting warmed up. The throwing program is very strenuous, so when he went back to throwing 40 pitches his arm felt very good. Banditsbb, I'm glad your son is getting to play 2nd base, I think that is a good move. Gary will pitch again Friday, I'll keep everyone updated on how he does, good or bad.

bballhp07- Dr. Andrews said that throwing to locations would be the toughest thing in the recovery process, keep up the hard work and it will come. Stick to the program.

Wow I'm impressed with you guys progress! My son had TJ surgery August 27, 2007 - and is now throwing at 90% from flat ground - fast balls only.
He is working up to 100% from flat ground - before he moves to the mound. His Dr. told him no breaking pitches until 14 months post op.
He was throwing 88-90 before sugery - will be anxious to see if he can do this again soon. His doctor also told him location would be the toughest part.

Dawgduck:

Last August I PMed you a few times about your son having gone through it with mine. As I said then, it can work out and glad it did for your son and family.

quote:

Originally posted by Youreout:
Dawgduck:

Last August I PMed you a few times about your son having gone through it with mine. As I said then, it can work out and glad it did for your son and family.

Youreout, I appreciated your PM's. This sight is so beneficial to so many people. The support that you can receive on here is unbelievable. I hope your son is doing great, I like when everyone let's everbody know how their son's are recovering. Keep me updated and I'll do the same. Good Luck!

I hope these posts aren't coming off the wrong way, but just wanted to give another update on Gary.

He pitched again tonight. Our bats were on fire tonight and we won 13-0. Gary was on a 60 pitch count, he pitched all 5 innings gave up 0 hits, 0 walks and 9 strikeouts. Again, he was consistently 88-89, he hit 91 6 times and 90 3 times. Also, his coach told me this afternoon, before the game that the scout for the Kansas City Royals would be there. We didn't tell Gary until after the game, he was very excited. I told him you just never know who is going to be there.

Ya'll just bare with me, I am one happy father! He has come a long way and we are so proud of his recovery. I just hope he can be an example to many others.

WOW! I think that is absolutely awesome! How exciting for both you and your son!! That gives me hope for my son when he starts pitching in a few months. Again - congratulations!

We're proud of him, too. We wish him continued success and heath.

Just another update, Gary will be making his 3rd start since TJ. Got news today from his head coach that Coach Shouppe from FSU called and he will be in attendance. Also was called and Kansas City will be back with a few other scouts. This just proves that the Lord has a funny way of working things out... I just wish He would let us in on what he has planned.

"taint no fun if He lets you know ahead of time

Dawgduck,
I have some questions, if you don't mind.

Is this a fast track for TJ pitcher recovery?

7-8 months?

Your son plays third AND pitches?

His pitch count was 100 in 3 days?

Is he throwing FB only or breaking pitches?

quote:

Originally posted by TPM:
Dawgduck,
I have some questions, if you don't mind.

Is this a fast track for TJ pitcher recovery?

7-8 months?

Your son plays third AND pitches?

His pitch count was 100 in 3 days?

Is he throwing FB only or breaking pitches?

TPM, I'll try to answer each question and not be long. Question 1: this is a fast track, the last time he saw Dr. Andrews (2 1/2 months ago) he was cleared to play 3rd and before we were to come back, which we are due back in two weeks, he said Gary should be pitching. I asked the Dr's about this quick of a come back and they said that it could happen because of his age (18) and each person heals different. He said they get a lot of Major League guys that are older and have to rehab longer. Also their teams want them to rehab with the team Dr. and not heir own Dr. I really don't know much about that.

2nd Question: he does play 3rd but the coach hasn't played him at 3rd every game just certain games.

3rd Question: He threw 95% fastballs and the rest off speed. In this game fastballs were all that were really needed.


We have gone from 40 pitches to 60 pitches and the next game will be 75 pitches and that is were it will remain, 75 pitches or less.

TPM, you might be thinking he's coming back too early, those were exactly my thoughts, but I specifically asked what are we supposed to do after the throwing program and the Dr. told me "he needs to be pitching". For anybody that's interested you can get the TJ throwing program online and you can see just how strenuous this program is. TPM, let me know if you have any other questions.

it does seam very quick to be pitching in a game. maybe they have changed the program. used to be cleared to throw at 6 months then on the bump at 9 months. congrats to your son dawg.