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I've been on this site now for over 3 years and for many of us we've become family members that have never met. Many of us have the players of other posters bookmarked so we can keep up with their seasons. The one thing that I've always dreaded was posting bad news. Now it is my turn.

My son Ryan, a Junior RHP, plays for the University of Illinois-Chicago. Last Sunday during a bullpen he partially tore the UCL in his elbow. Ryan will be sidelined for 4-8 weeks in order to see if this tear will heal. If not, he will require Tommy John surgery. Ryan is obviously disappointed as he prepared for the season by taking last summer off, and doing all the right things to be get ready for this year. He was having an outstanding Winter and was looking for a great Spring season. That all ended with 1 pitch.

As disappointed as Ryan is he again stopped me in my tracks by saying if baseball was the only thing in his life he would have signed after the 2003 MLB draft and that he went to college to get an education and play baseball. He said if he does require surgery he will be back stronger than ever. I don't doubt that at all.
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Randy, so sorry to hear the news, but as others have mentioned, what a great attitude! Ryan seems like a terrific young man, not just a great pitcher but also very smart, and popular with the young ladies (hey, that never hurts!). Wink Hopefully this will just be a short detour in his successful story. Please keep us updated!
rz,
Got your pm and responded. I feel your pain.
I am proud of our son's attitudes and maturity. And also gad yuo are sharing to let folks now how fragile they are (arms).

Ladynmom,
You got another one on your prayer list! And glad to hear that you made a decision about son.
Last edited by TPM
Rz1 -
As the parent of a pitcher this is the baseball news that we most fear will come. Frown My prayers and thoughts are with you and your son during this period of healing and uncertainty. Your post continues to remind us to help our sons understand that baseball is just one part of their lives and that they should never come to see themselves as just a ballplayer but instead as successful young men who also plays baseball. Smile
Last edited by RHP05Parent
RZ, obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with your son for a full recovery. Do be sure that he's being seen by a qualified orthopedist for not only a proper diagnosis, but proper plan of treatment.

In consulting with my son's orthopedist, it is my understanding that a tear in the UCL won't heal per se, but that physical therapy can stregthen everything around the ligament and take some of the load that the torn area would normally bear. He advised us that some players with partial tears decide to rehab and play as long as they can with the injury, and that others decide to get it fixed right away and not try to play with a partial tear. Please be sure that he's being seen by someone who is qualified and experienced with this specific injury and has expertise to treat it; rather than a more general doctor, even orthopedist, who hasn't seen many pitchers before.

Your son sounds like he has a great outlook on his situation. I'm constantly amazed at how well some of the boys handle these type of challenges. Hang in there and support him in whatever he decides about treating his injury going forward.
rz,

When I first found this site late last summer, your posts were some of the first to grab my attention, what with Ryan pitching at an Illinois school. I remember asking my brother (a Padres scout) about him and have looked forward to his progress. My thoughts will be with him as he goes thru this latest "experience", and trust everything will work out for the best. Ryan obviously has a good perspective on life and baseball. My brother's son went thru TJ, and some other "difficulties" during his college days, and as a fifth year-redshirt senior, is working on his Masters degree and will be starting on the conference weekends. He makes me proud to be his uncle every day.

Based on Ryan's comments, he has one great future ahead of him, and a deservedly proud Pop.

Kevin
rz1..

Having been thru this whole experience (unfortunately) I think I can truly empathize with what you are going thru right now...and what you might be going thru in the future. If you ever need a sympathetic ear....please feel free to pm. Hopefully rehab will do the trick for your son....if not, sounds like a positive attitude is indeed contagious in your family! Good luck and prayers coming from PA!
As one that knows the man instead of just the poster:
That post had to be one of the hardest things rz1 has ever done in his life. As an insider, I can tell you this is a sad, sad start to a promising season.
rz1 himself reminded me that "no one" is above the team, but I will tell you that the Flames feel a huge hole right now- of both talent and character. No doubt that Ryan will rise above it all.
Never take what you have for granted. One slide, one hit, one pitch...
See you at the field rz1.
quote:
Originally posted by rz1:
My son Ryan, a Junior RHP, plays for the University of Illinois-Chicago. .


Prayers for Ryan, and a full healthy recovery.

I remember when UIC Coach announced that Ryan (and Zach) Not pitch summer ball (at Madison) due to ? (# of IP in spring ?) ??

Keep in touch.

After reading about Zach throwing 7 IP in Mesa last week, is his arm is healthy and ready?

Any thoughts about ~120 IP Ryan tossed last spring?

Regards
Bear

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