Skip to main content

My D3 freshman kid got his first college hit today.  He hasn’t had many opportunities this season, as the roster is loaded with upperclassmen, especially at his positions (3B/1B/DH), but he’s embraced working while he waits

Down 5-4 in the sixth inning in a big conference game, with runners on second and third, coach sent him out to pinch-hit for the catcher who has been struggling lately.  And he scorched a first pitch fastball for the RBI single to tie the game

Sons team lost in conference semi's today, ending the season (no at large), and then the trainer grabbed him with his MRI results - Torn labrum and partially torn rotator cuff.  Won't play baseball again unless he gets surgery and my son's initial reaction is no surgery.  Of course, we will get a second opinion.  I asked why no surgery and he said because he saw how my surgeries didn't help.  My Labrum surgery actually did help me play tennis again but throwing a baseball does hurt.  There is always a risk going in the shoulder, but if a labrum tear is going to stop you from baseball, tennis, golf, bowling etc  and you are only 19 years old you pretty much have no choice but to get it right?  This might be the end of his college career...... He didn't get much opportunity, but if this is the end he pitched to a 2.45 ERA (yeah only 3.2 innings but it is what it is). I hope he gets the surgery and comes back next year.

Sorry to hear that Gunner, it is sure a shame when an injury results in a career defining decision.  I was in a similar place thought wise as you are initially.  I ultimately realized that it was my son's body and his choice to make after learning what he would have to go through.  It was extremely hard for me to comprehend his decision when he elected not to have surgery after working so hard + struggling so mightily just to get on the field to play.  I wish nothing but the best for your son + family coming to a decision and moving forward.

Sons team lost in conference semi's today, ending the season (no at large), and then the trainer grabbed him with his MRI results - Torn labrum and partially torn rotator cuff.  Won't play baseball again unless he gets surgery and my son's initial reaction is no surgery.  Of course, we will get a second opinion.  I asked why no surgery and he said because he saw how my surgeries didn't help.  My Labrum surgery actually did help me play tennis again but throwing a baseball does hurt.  There is always a risk going in the shoulder, but if a labrum tear is going to stop you from baseball, tennis, golf, bowling etc  and you are only 19 years old you pretty much have no choice but to get it right?  This might be the end of his college career...... He didn't get much opportunity, but if this is the end he pitched to a 2.45 ERA (yeah only 3.2 innings but it is what it is). I hope he gets the surgery and comes back next year.

I agree with you. Have it now while he is young and let the program cover expenses.

Keep us posted.

@TPM posted:

I agree with you. Have it now while he is young and let the program cover expenses.

Keep us posted.

The question of who covers it is a very good one.  I know the school recommends its doctor too - the Red Sox doc.  I guess tomorrow I will figure it all out. The issue is the semester is over, so he's coming home tomorrow am but still just 3 hours to Boston if we use Red Sox doc.

The question of who covers it is a very good one.  I know the school recommends its doctor too - the Red Sox doc.  I guess tomorrow I will figure it all out. The issue is the semester is over, so he's coming home tomorrow am but still just 3 hours to Boston if we use Red Sox doc.

Most D3 schools will not cover the cost of the surgery in the conventional way. Most likely they will ask you to file a claim with your own insurer. However, if the school carries secondary insurance (and I can’t imagine that they don’t) they should be able to cover your out if pocket costs with that. If that’s the case, ask them to pay those costs directly to the providers - as opposed to you doing it and looking for reimbursement from the school. Hope it works out fir your son.

@adbono posted:

Most D3 schools will not cover the cost of the surgery in the conventional way. Most likely they will ask you to file a claim with your own insurer. However, if the school carries secondary insurance (and I can’t imagine that they don’t) they should be able to cover your out if pocket costs with that. If that’s the case, ask them to pay those costs directly to the providers - as opposed to you doing it and looking for reimbursement from the school. Hope it works out fir your son.

Very helpful. Thanks adbono.

Very sorry Gunner. Your son is very young, whatever path he takes seems like he has a good head on his shoulders and will be more than ok. Wishing you and your family the best.

Can only speak from experience with my son's teammates (low level D1). They were all better off  handling initial diagnosis and surgery themselves if that was an option. Seemed like going through the school took forever.

Last edited by nycdad

Sons team lost in conference semi's today, ending the season (no at large), and then the trainer grabbed him with his MRI results - Torn labrum and partially torn rotator cuff.  Won't play baseball again unless he gets surgery and my son's initial reaction is no surgery.  Of course, we will get a second opinion.  I asked why no surgery and he said because he saw how my surgeries didn't help.

Sorry to hear about your son's injury. Shoulder problems are tough for pitchers, but not always insurmountable. I would encourage him to talk to the surgeon even if he is sure that his college playing days are over. There might be benefits to having it repaired now before it gets worse, and while he's young and healthy. I've had multiple surgeries on both shoulders, and while the rehab was brutal, my quality of life is so much better now. As you know, living with shoulder pain and ROM limitations sucks. Good luck.

So his school doesn't pick up anything.  The trainer was nice, he sent my son the readout on his MRI and sent a link to the school's insurance policies.  They are not recommending their surgeon either, which is odd but ok.  I don't have an issue putting on our insurance but getting the actual MRI images are a bit of a challenge as he's leaving MA today, BUT we figured it out.

We decided my wife will go with him to his second opinion, I would lean too heavily to surgery and he would lean the other way.  She will ask all the right questions and be able to move our son in the right decision.   His semester grades came in today and they are his best yet, so that will be our takeaway.

Sons team lost in conference semi's today, ending the season (no at large), and then the trainer grabbed him with his MRI results - Torn labrum and partially torn rotator cuff.  Won't play baseball again unless he gets surgery and my son's initial reaction is no surgery.  Of course, we will get a second opinion.  I asked why no surgery and he said because he saw how my surgeries didn't help.  My Labrum surgery actually did help me play tennis again but throwing a baseball does hurt.  There is always a risk going in the shoulder, but if a labrum tear is going to stop you from baseball, tennis, golf, bowling etc  and you are only 19 years old you pretty much have no choice but to get it right?  This might be the end of his college career...... He didn't get much opportunity, but if this is the end he pitched to a 2.45 ERA (yeah only 3.2 innings but it is what it is). I hope he gets the surgery and comes back next year.

Gunner, sorry to hear.  was looking forward to seeing some Conference contests between the two teams next year.

I'm sure your son needs a little time to get past the disappointment and then evaluate what decision is best for him, from what you've said he seems to have a pretty good head on his shoulders.  No suggestion either way here, but surgery has come a long way in short period of time and quality of life is an important aspect for someone so young and active.  I'm sure he'll have a million questions prepared for the doctor to make the final decision.

Best wishes

Clay

Add Reply

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×