I had my first big injury in my baseball career, breaking my thumb and needing surgery to straighten the bone. Before the break, which happened the day before our first game, I was set to be the 1st or 2nd starting pitcher and had a chance to be starting 1st base, but more realistically 2nd or 3rd first baseman. It came as such a shock and disappointment.

Skip forward weeks, after surgery and recovery, there are 3 games left on the schedule. The only trouble is I'm now 4th on the depth chart for 1st base, my arm is no where near strong enough to pitch a game, and I lost my whole sophomore season after not playing freshman season, either.

How do you deal with injuries? I repressed my emotions, probably not the greatest thing to do. It's been so frustrating and sometimes you just need to let it all out. I can't imagine dealing with a career ending injury.

Welcome to the HSBBW! You signed up on my birthday!

I'm sorry that you got hurt period, let alone with an injury which required surgery---for all practical purposes a season-ending injury. Both of my boys had baseball related surgeries within the past year. One missed his senior year of high school. It hasn't been determined yet whether or not they will ever play competitively again.

I can only imagine how you feel--because I know how my sons felt....and continue to feel....It is so emotional. (For your parents, too...) The thing about repressed emotions....they come out somehow, somewhere, some way.....

The only advice I can give you is to get strong...and get focused on playing again....Forget the last 3 games of the season. Or else ask your coach if you could pinch run or something. Just get healthy, get strong again, and get determined to win your spot back. Are you able to play this summer? That would be good if you can, even if you aren't as strong as you were. You need to play to get back playing. (I know that sounds stupid.) Anyway, good luck! You can do it!!!!!

I'm glad to hear that you're healed up. Now, the important thing for you is to find a place where you can begin playing again this summer. Check around and find a team you can join, if you aren't already on a summer team. Personally, I wouldn't worry about trying to play in the last three games. You need to get back into game shape and can use practice sessions for that. If you get a pinch hit or run role, be thankful for it and HAVE FUN.

You're only a sophomore, which means that you have a lot of baseball ahead of you, if you want to play. Get yourself back into playing shape and go have some fun this summer while gaining more experience. Your school will probably have a fall ball program (I can't imagine any SoCal school that doesn't) so you'll get plenty of time with your HS coach.

Have a great summer and let us know how it works out for you. Good luck!

its tough to deal with injuries.Had a pretty big one myself this year,and missed 4 months

All you can do,SoCal,is work through it.Dont rush back until you are 100%,its not worth it.When you are cleared,get back in the weight room,do some running,or whatever it takes to get you back into that right mindset.Although its hard to stay positive,you have to.Nobody in the baseball world will feel bad for you,so you just have to work twice as hard to come back

Work hard and I hope you have a good summer SoCal

My son also missed his sophomore year due to surgery. I am so proud of how he handled it - he stayed a part of the team, never missed a practice or game, he charted pitches and helped wherever he could. It's hard to call it a blessing in disguise but he did make the best of it and I firmly believe he will be a better ball player as a result. As a result of his injury my son was able to watch and learn more about the game. In addition, he came to realize how much he loves playing baseball and developed a renewed hunger to work work hard to be the best he can be. Surgery was 10 weeks ago and he is still several weeks away (at best) from being able to start a tossing program or hitting, but he has been very disciplined with his rehab and physical therapy. It was very frustrating for him to miss his season but he is very focused on returning for his junior year. Although it is easy to get frustrated in the situation by focusing on the positives and the future you can get through it.