One shoulder injury is enough to derail a baseball player immensely. To injure the other one and still persevere to come back and play, that is something senior Jack Schneider knows all about.
“At first you think the worst for him and that he won’t be able to play all year. I have been very impressed by the way he has pushed himself and how he has prepared himself to play this year,” varsity baseball head coach Ryan Connors said.
“Jack never complains and he never makes excuses. Those are some of the best qualities an athlete can have.”
Schneider tore his labrum in one shoulder two years ago, which kept him from playing basketball and baseball during both his sophomore and junior years. He then had the same injury to his other shoulder.
“Initially, I lost most strength in the arm. I was unable to lift it above my head for a few weeks. As I continued with strenuous physical therapy, I slowly have been able to gain back mobility and strength,” Schneider said.
Schneider will be playing designated hitter this season, which is a position that only bats, without playing in the field. Although, that doesn’t mean that he isn’t an integral part of the team, both on the field and in the dugout.
“Even though [Schneider] isn’t able to fully play, he still probably plays the most important role on the team. He’s a leader regardless of his playing ability and he gets us all going before every game,” senior and teammate Brian Hillhouse said.
Connors mentioned some of the same things when it came to Schneider’s role on the team.
“Jack is a leader on this team. He has had more experience than anyone else on our team. He leads by example and he leads by encouraging his teammates and making sure they are working as hard as they need to,” Connors said.
Schneider had to put in work at physical therapy and at home in order to get healthy for this season, which will be his last.
“In total, I would estimate I have taken 50 extra hours outside of regular practice to get myself to where I am. However, I am not totally satisfied and am still dedicating time each day to strengthening my shoulder,” Schneider said.
His teammates envy Jack for the work he has put in and have applauded him for the character it took to go through the process.
“I think Jack has done about as good as he could have possibly done with dealing with his injury,” Hillhouse said. “He went to physical therapy and didn’t give up on still playing baseball. I wouldn’t have done anything differently.”
All in all, Schneider said all the work has been worth it and hopes for the best during his senior season.
“I have no doubt in my mind the work was worth it. I would have given nearly anything to be able to play this last season. Even though I can’t throw, I still am able to hit and enjoy being around the team,” Schneider said.
