Former top pitching prospect Thomas Diamond started in yesterday's Triple A All Star Game for the Pacific Coast League and delivered two scoreless innings with two strikeouts. Normally that wouldn't be big news, but Diamond has taken a rather circuitous path in his baseball career.
Diamond, 27, was the 10th overall pick by the Texas Rangers in the 2004 MLB Draft. He was on the fast track to he majors until he was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery for elbow damage. Recovery from Tommy John surgery is routine in baseball, but it's a slow process. Getting back to full strength takes long enough, but when you trip over a sprinkler head in the outfield and cause further damage as Diamond did, it can get pretty frustrating.
Diamond underwent surgery in 2007 and after three years of struggling, he's back to form. So far this season he's posted a 5-3 record with a 2.69 ERA and 91 strikeouts. He may seem a bit old for a shot at the majors, but if Diamond has proven anything it's the value of perseverance.
Even in the face of a slew of freak injuries it's important to keep chugging along. Wile E. would know, he's an expert.
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