Yesterday,my son...

I usually don't come on here and talk about my son (Ryan Allen), but yesterday was his last high school game! We are heading to Alabama on Sun.to have surgery by Dr. James Andrews for a torn UCL.(Tommy John surgery) However, he is very fortunate to have at least 4 more years of baseball at Gardner-Webb University,which we absolutely love the thought of everything about the school and what it and the coaches stand for!

By no means,will this be a feel sorry story,because we have been so blessed by this game. We are very fortunate to be able to move on. I am so sorry to anyone that has had his season/career end shortly, because I'm struggling with the fact that this was it for playing with all the guys he grew up with and I helped coach since 9 years old.

The stories on here about ballplayers who had their life end tradgically, I can't even begin to imagine what that would feel like. I get teary eyed reading those and will always weigh on my mind anytime something like this happens. Baseball is great, but never,ever will an injury,a no hitter,a HR, etc. compare to the value of one's life! Those stories always help me and Ryan keep things in prespective.

We long tossed religiousy, and never, ever had he had a sore muscle in his arm. He could throw the ball 110yds. (of course I had to use fungo bat to get it back) He, in first game of season, was 89 on Juggs gun about 20 different times. The third game, (8th of season) in fifth inning was still 88 and 1 pitch felt a "pop". No pain until next pitch,then that was it. He had pitched a total of 26innings the entire '09 season, and about 30 in '08. The speed hadn't picked up like this year, so he was used very sparingly in school and summer. He threw no curveballs till 16, because basically I felt he hadn't grown enough to throw them. The night he went down, he threw 4 cb's through 5 innings. Not sure what went wrong, but hopefully we'll get a better understanding next week, and I'll be glad to share with anyone. Now my son is only 5'7" 140 lbs.with cleats,uniform, and hat on. He worked very hard at this for the opportunity to try to help JF Webb make a serious run at a state title. I asked would he have done anything differently, and he said "NO". He absolutely loved playing high school baseball for JF Webb and felt the school and all his teammates deserved him going at it 100%. I knew then, we'd call Dr. Andrews first!

All that being said, I wanted to thank TBR for everything that I've ever read and been allowed to post. All the friends I have met through TBR are ones that I hope I never forget!

To Braves, Stretchy, Southern1, and Coach27, thanks for all help with the Lake Monsters! There are about 22 kids already signed and even more coming this year and even as we speak!

To buntandrun, piratesfan, and Rusty: These were absolutely some,if not,the best times of my life! Thanks!

To AP! We all owe you a bunch! It was everything we thought it would be and then some. Keep it up!

Obviously,this is not the end, but I wanted to thank some people for what they do, and talk about my son, since I'm usually talking about other peoples children! We've been very fortunate to play baseball on some of the best fields, best teams,and with great people. Thanks for listening and being here TBR!!!!!!!!!!!!

























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Ray- I know it's a tough situation having been through this with my son. You can be sure there was really nothing you could have done to prevent it. My son didn't throw a cb until he was 16 and even then it was limited. Believe it or not, he felt more stress throwing change ups.

You can spend days trying to reflect how it happened, but in reality you can't. It could have started in LL days. It could have been in the backyard or at a neighbors house. It could be hereditary! There are so many things that can cause those micro-tears until finally they get that "pop."

The good news is you are going to the best (my son's Dr, too.) Ryan's ligament will be stronger and bigger than before. Dr Andrews continues to improve his operation to lessen the rehab time, but be prepared that Ryan may not return to 100% as quickly as some people suggest. In fact, a pitcher that is back at 100% in one year to 18 months is an extreme rarity. But be in comfort that when he is back, it's with a new bionic elbow.

He has a tough obstacle to overcome, especially mentally. There WILL BE some setbacks, but they are only temporary. The one's that don't come back are simply the one's that quit their rehab and hung up their spikes. It wasn't because they couldn't.

It is becoming so common that players are now wearing their scars as badges and comparing each others to see which one looks better.

Thanks Ray for sharing this and keep us updated on Ryan's recovery.

 

Ryans Heart.........

Ray,When I heard about Ryans injury Dylan and I felt terrible about it,and still do for that matter.We all think the world of him and Dylan told me last fall that Ryan was one of his most favorite team mates EVER!That my friend, is exactly what he said!Anyone who knows Ryan understands that his heart is the biggest part of his body with-out question.He may not be the biggest guy on the field but he always plays harder than anyone.This is not just my opinion,it is what I have heard many,many folks say time and again.Just know that our thoughts and prayers will be with Ryan and I have no doubt that he will come back strong.That is just the type of young man he is.Keep us informed on his surgery and progress and tell Ryan the prayers are there.

 

Ryan

and Ray I am so sorry to hear about this. First of all I want you to know I will be thinking and praying for you. I am sure everything is going to go fine and he will be back playing in no time.

I know its a very hard to thing to see your kid play his last high school game and even tougher when they cant finish it the way they would like to. I know both of you are very close to the rest of the players especially the seniors and its a tough pill to swallow. I know I always enjoyed watching Ryan play. When we played against Ryan I still enjoyed watching him. He plays the game with passion and he is a heck of a player. I have no doubt he will recover from this and have a great college career.

Many times people will talk about Ryan and the first thing they mention is his size or lack of size. They talk about his heart and his grit and determination. What I always saw and always feared being in the opposing dug out was his ability to play the game. He is a hell of a player who is very talented. And he loves the game of baseball. If your a baseball guy you have to pull for guys that love the game and play it the right way.

Times like this test a players love and dedication to the game. For some its too much of a test. For others like Ryan its just a bump in the road that will make them even stronger in the end.

Good luck to both of you I will see you soon. Kenny

 

Why I like TBR.

Quote "All that being said, I wanted to thank TBR for everything that I've ever read and been allowed to post. All the friends I have met through TBR are ones that I hope I never forget!

To Braves, Stretchy, Southern1, and Coach27, thanks for all help with the Lake Monsters! There are about 22 kids already signed and even more coming this year and even as we speak!

To buntandrun, piratesfan, and Rusty: These were absolutely some,if not,the best times of my life! Thanks!

To AP! We all owe you a bunch! It was everything we thought it would be and then some. Keep it up!"

This is the reason TBR is, by far, the best baseball site on the net. Ive learned so very much from the people on here. Thank you all for all of the GREAT advice and encouragement.

I pray that your son gets healthy again and is able to play the GREATEST game there is. The game of baseball.

GS

 

Healthy OR Injured........

regardless of either.....Ryan and Ray are 2 of the finest showcase people on the circuit.......my best wishes to both of you the future is still going to be bright for both of you.

 

No Raymond and Ryan--THANK YOU BOTH!

For those coaches out there who say you want a player with heart,desire,work ethic,etc you have not seen that guy until you have met Ryan Allen-he plays the game the way it was meant to be played.But like I have told him several times-He is a better person than player and believe me,thats a mouthful.
I have been a HS coach 16 years and have had some talented individuals and some tough kids play for me,but Ryan was one of ones that possessed both.I have truly enjoyed every minute with him and his family(who I have had pleasure of knowing for 25 yrs) and we will misss him for now,but we know better days will come.Thanks Ryan for what you have given me and the webb program and thanks raymond for all you've done for Ryan and hundreds of other kids in our area.

 

To Ray and Ryan

We are so very sorry to hear about Ryan. We enjoyed getting to know you all last summer and fall and Ryan is an awesome young man and teammate. Dr Andrews is the best so follow his instructions and in time, Ryan will be back better than ever! I'm sure you all are so disappointed right now but know you have the prayers and support of many people (including that G-W coach!) Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laura and Cal

 

Raymond Allen, if anybody has ever done things the right way with their kid in this baseball game, it has been you.
Ryan Allen, if every kid worked as hard at it, and put their heart into it as much as you have young man, the game would be far better. No doubts you'll bounce back from this.
And if you guys don't know these guys, you should get to. I know Ray and his buddies stand up there and razz the hell out of some people sopmetimes, but its still just a game and at the end of the day, I get a laff out of it.
Ive known Ray for a long time, and have been watching Ryan play since he was 9. There is no doubt in my mind he'll be just fine.

 

Ray,
I'm sorry to hear of Ryan's situation, but I know you all well enough to say that it will be a mere hiccup for that boy. The rehab time will pass quicker than you think, so don't falter on ANY of it. I really hate the timing for Ryan. Injuries are cruel enough in themselves, but adding a timing element such as the one that has beset Ryan can make things seem totally out of kilter. Very glad you are able to see the big picture(though anyone who knows you would think no less). Your son is blessed to have you in his corner. If you all will pray, and all of us who know you will pray, then we can expect a good outcome from this. I think it was Ralph Waldo Emerson who said, "this time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it".