When you hear the diagnosis of ‘torn UCL’, you cringe. Not just because of the hard work it will take to get back but because of the waiting game.
Months on months of watching from sideline and feeling helpless. For a high school pitcher, that means missing a season and not regaining the eligibility.
After having Tommy John surgery on July 16, 2014, one would assume pitching in 2015 was out of the question.
Joey Marzouk, senior at Hills East, found a way to have his cake and eat it, too.
“Right from the start I knew I was going to be back for playoffs,” said Marzouk.
But through the whole winter I worked 6 out of 7 days a week between Physical Therapy, and my throwing programs. My arm started to feel great and I just kept rolling in the right direction,” he added.
Not only was he able to be back in time for the playoffs but he was ready for Opening Day–just eight-and-a-half months removed from the infamous surgery.
To put that in persepctive, Matt Harvey–who happens to be Marzouk’s favorite pitcher–underwent the surgery in October 2013 and didn’t pitch in a game of any magnitude until Spring Training 2015–a full 17 months after the surgery.
Studies show that pitchers have their best chance of regaining full velocity and command when waiting 14 or more months to return to the mound.
With a high school season lasting as few as 18 games, that was not an option for a pitcher with hopes of leading his team to the Suffolk County championship.
The only question was whether the surgeon, trainer and coach would clear him to throw.
My surgeon and I had been in touch weekly and we’re always on the same page. Along with all my physical therapists who have helped me on the road to the comeback. My high school coach told me to just keep working hard and things will handle themself. And that’s what I did.
After the season, Marzouk will prepare to pitch at Division-I Hofstra. He will bring his 88 MPH fastball to the CAA in hopes of bringing the Pride back to the playoffs.
He doesn’t foresee any setbacks in his recovery and claims he is “throwing free and easy” without any pain.
With the Thunderbirds riding a hot streak and appearing to be one of the better teams on Long Island, you can expect to see Marzouk on a mound getting big outs during the Suffolk County Championship Round.
