Coming Back!

As of today, Jan. 29, Ray is doing great.  He progressed through the long toss exercises beginning mid-November following the car accident, and took the mound for the first time last week (Jan. 24).  He threw that Monday and warmed up to 85 mph fastball, great curve ball, working on his changeup (this is challenging him the most) and slider.  Surprisingly, he felt good enough to throw from the mound again that Thursday, and was at 86.4 with his fastball.  And the best news ever - no shoulder pain!  He had arm fatigue after just 14 or so pitches, but that's to be expected at this point.  He hasn't thrown from the mound since May, 2021 (when his high school coach put him in knowing he had a torn labrum).  So, over eight months since throwing with a healthy arm.  We are super stoked about where he is now and believe things will get better every day!  Thank you, Father! 

Car Accident (September 16, 2021)

Ray was progressing well.  Mizzou had started him throwing at 30 ft. and the plan was to progress to 180 ft., and then he'd go to the mound.  He had gotten to about 150 ft..  On Sept. 16, a car pulled out in front of Ray in a 45 mph zone, and Ray t-boned the vehicle.  The force of the impact re-injured Ray's shoulder, and another MRI was ordered.  Thankfully, the repair appeared to remain in tact - but it was back to square one with rehab and throwing.  It was such a discouraging accident, tears were shed by Ray and me both! :(

Ray returned to throwing (30 ft.) mid-November.  He has done a tremendous job building up the strength in his lower body, and this has really helped keep him in shape and speed his throwing recovery (less strain on the shoulder, as Dr. Smith indicated).

Ahead of Schedule! (August 15, 2021)

Ray's recovery is going well.  He's been in PT three times a week and had his follow up with Dr. Smith this week, just shy of eight weeks post-surgery.  Dr. Smith was surprised at Ray's strength and mobility - he's ahead of the recovery curve already!  Eight weeks to go - return to throwing in eight weeks.  Ray is super stoked and feels ready   Woohoo!