Anthony Jerkovich's high school pitching career came to an abrupt end when he underwent Tommy John surgery last month.  The senior injured his elbow last spring and he threw limited innings in 2009 because of the pain. 

For months, he was misdiagnosed with growing pains until this December when his doctor gave him the bad news that he had a torn ligament in his elbow and would need surgery.  "I was stunned when I found out," Jerkovich said.  "My first thought was that I was disappointing my teammates because I wouldn't be able to help them on the mound this year."

Tommy John surgery, named for the MLB pitcher who first underwent the procedure in the 1980's, requires the surgeon to remove a ligament in the patient's wrist and replace the damaged elbow ligament with it.  Although the success rate of the surgery is almost 100%, the rehabilitation can last up to a year and a half.

Jerkovich's absence on the mound will certainly hurt the Rams in 2010.  He has been pitching on the varsity staff since his freshman year, and during his sophomore campaign he helped guide Reavis to an SSC Red Conference crown, winning six games.  He was also named All-Conference Pitcher and Reavis Pitcher of the Year that season.

The honor roll student is headed to Elmhurst College in the fall where he plans to play baseball for the Blue Jays.  "My doctor said the surgery was a success and if I continue to progress in my rehab, I should be throwing in the fall."

In the meantime, Anthony plans to workout with the Rams and help out in practice any way he can.  "I'm still a part of this team," he said, "and I want to see us win another conference title, whether I play or not."