Expert: Rick Bundy - 4/29/2011

Question
I am a 23 year old right handed pitcher. I am relocating from chicago to phoenix, arizona to pursue professional ball. I was a pro prospect in college and played semi-pro during the summers i was in college. Unfortunately had TJ surgery and now want to get back to playing. My doctor wants me to play again and says their is no physical or medical issues as to why I shouldn't pitch again. I am looking to be 100% by september. Can you suggest any facilities and/or private pitching instructors in the area that would work with me starting this summer so I can be ready to play in the fall?

Answer
Mike:  Thank you for your question!

Sorry to hear about the surgery; but the results sound positive.  I can imagine you are excited about getting back into it.  The rehab is tough and it sounds like you did a good job with that phase.  

I have two contacts for you to try.

Jeff Rodin:  Jeff is the Director of The Arizona Diamondback's Academies, this summer will be my 11th year with them.  We put on camps for kids, all over the state.  He has direct contacts with former MLB players living in the Phoenix area, that provide individual instruction.  

His email is jrodin@dbacks.com  You can tell him I referred you.

Billy Horton:  Billy and I worked together with the Dbacks camps, he now runs his own business, and has numerous contacts as well.  Billy runs camps and leagues for kids and has a website at cactuscamps.com.  

His email is  billyhorton@cactuscamps.com  You can also tell him I referred you.

Both of these gentlemen are quality individuals and baseball people who are up to date with the baseball community in the Phoenix area.  They won't steer you wrong.

I hope things work out for you.  It will certainly be a lot of work; but it's baseball and it doesn't get any better than that!

Let me know how it goes.  If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.  You can contact me through All Experts, or my website at www.theoleballgame.com

Yours in baseball,

Rick