by SIDAn update on Corey Williams. Above is the x-ray of his knee, and as you can see his kneecap is broken. After seeing that, it makes the play he made (video) that much more amazing. He will have surgery back at Vanderbilt early this week and is out for the year.
An unfortunate end to what was shaping up to be a great first year for the redshirt freshman from Huntsville, Ala. He had developed into one of the top hurlers out of the bullpen, making 12 relief appearances and was 1-0 with a 2.65 ERA. The southpaw had 17 strikeouts to just six walks in 17.0 innings and opponents were hitting just .215 against him.
A picture is worth a thousand words - the impact causing this shattering of the bone let's us all know the force that he was hit and to make the play is incredible. I hope his recovery allows him to return to the form he had - our thoughts and prayers are with Corey and his family.
ReplyDeleteI was there, and I can tell you it was one of the most gutsy plays in all of sports. I'm a Gator alum and a number of us had the same reaction. This kid has a ton of heart and we wish him all the best in his recovery and eventual return to the mound. Although the same result could have also happened with a wood bat, I can't help but think this makes a better case for wood bats in college? Corey's glove was so close to his knee, that if he just had a millisecond more time, maybe he deflects that ball.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to Corey. All of VU is proud of him and hoping for a speedy and successful surgery and rehab.
ReplyDeletebest wishes to corey all your prayers to corey the Esposito's family wish speedy rehab we will miss you
ReplyDeleteTo Corey and your family, we are thinking about you and praying for you and a speedy recovery. You are one amazing ball player to finish strong, WOW. I know from experience, you will receive the most professional and outstanding care at Vanderbilt Medical Center. God Bless, The Westlake Family.
ReplyDeleteCorey had his surgery today and all went well. Were all wishing him a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteWe are so-o saddened by this but so admire Corey in his gutsy determination to give our team his all. The Garvin's are rooting for you and praying for your surgery and rehab to proceed even better than expected. God bless!
ReplyDeleteCorey and family,
ReplyDeleteWe hope you are feeling better soon and have a speedy recovery. What an amazing play! You are in our prayers. The Hill's.
I saw this footage at www.sportevents.com
ReplyDelete. it is horribly hard to watch in slow motion. Anything having to do with the knee is so sensitive and bony it makes my skin crawl to think about it too much. I hope he heals very quickly and that this doesn't end his career. We'll be thinking about you.
All our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and wish a very speedy recovery. I was at the game along with my family and still have goose bumps today when I think about it. You are one of the most courageous, unselfish, toughest guys I know. You have "IT", HEART and your actions that day give a whole new meaning to "Never give up" you're amazing. Good Luck you have earned our utmost respect and very honored and proud to be Vandy fans!!
ReplyDeleteI'd want that man on my team any day of the week. I really admire that play especially after finding out about the injury. Best of luck to you and yours, Corey.
ReplyDeleteCorey -
ReplyDeleteThe footage from your injury shows the raw determination you have as a player. Your teammates and fans appreciate your dedication to your sport and your team. Best of luck as you recover from this challenging injury. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, asking for a speedy recovery. We can't wait to see you on that mound again. Godspeed!
Corey-
ReplyDeleteOur prayers are with you and we look forward to your complete recovery.
Keep your chin up..
Keith Brewer and Family
Really unfortunate accident but after watching the video I have no doubt with this kids mental toughness that he will be back on the mound soon. Best of luck on a quick recovery!
ReplyDeleteNo. more. aluminum. bats.
ReplyDeleteOMG! What a horrible accident, sure hope that young man can recover quickly. Best wishes from San Francisco,
ReplyDeleteWayne
im a bigtime baseball fan. always have been. and wen i wasn't as fat and old as i am now i used to play a lot too. but they got to get these metal bats out of college. its super dangerous and they should have taken them out by now.
ReplyDeleteOne tough kid.
ReplyDeleteCorey,
ReplyDeletecoaching, physical training and a will-to-win came together for you son.
That was one for the ages.
I wish you and all that love you peace.
If you get your Ph.D and never pitch another ball (except to your 3-year old), you are in the Pantheon.
In awe,
C
What a courageous young athlete !!!!!!!!!!!---the hit made me sick to watch & he finishes the play ??????!!!!!!!!--what a remarkable kid !!!!!--I hope he comes back next year better than ever !!!!----Wishing you a speedy recovery----Gary Greely--NFL ALUMNI
ReplyDeleteCorey,
ReplyDeleteYou'll get through it man! I coached Corey this summer and he is one hell of a man. He's one of the most competitive person I know personally and I know he will pull through.
Best wishes!
Sam
This injury should only encourage the NCAA to further discuss using wood bats in the future. Not only is it a better way to train college players who hope to continue on to professional baseball, but it also can help prevent such devastating injuries. As for Corey: best of luck on a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing you on the mound again in the future!!
ReplyDeleteBest of Luck Corey...Vandy has worked on my knee- You're in the best surgical hands! We'll come up and see you when you recoup.
ReplyDeleteI was watching the game on television and could not believe the hit he took and still made the play he did! Corey you are a remarkable young man with tons of heart!!! Prays are with you for a speedy recovery!!!
ReplyDeleteCorey good luck in your recovery process and know that the Westlake's are thinking and proying for you. WOW you are a fantastic player with a heart of gold. God speed my friend....
ReplyDeleteCorey your efforts were truly inspiring. We were amazed watching you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We wish you a speedy recovery. God bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteBest regards,
The Gomez Family
Corey, I watched the play and literally dropped to my knees with a sick feeling. This is a pitchers parents worst nightmare. We all think it won't happen to our kids, but then it does. You are so remarkable and a HUGE asset to the team. You will be so missed this year but I know you will come back stronger and better than ever! You are one tough young man and we all appreciate how you've contributed so successfully for Vanderbilt this year. You are definately in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteCorey I hope you survive on that surgery!!! That had to hurt you. Our prayers and thoughts are with you from the Martinez family in Las Vegas,Nevada
ReplyDeleteYour traveling room mates great uncle.
ReplyDeleteWas there at the game and knew it was bad when you got hit. saw the X-ray you sent Mike and I hope surgery went well and that you will be back on the mound next year. Have been watching the videos on ESPN and still can not believe you made the play to get the kid out at first. My prayers are with you and your family for complete recovery.
Uncle Rich
Corey, Good luck in your recovery and rehab. As a pitchers Mom my heart was broken as I know how hard you work to be where you are today. Keep that great attitude!! The Hayes
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers with you Corey and your family. You are a strong man and we look forward to getting you back on the mound! God bless you each day as you battle back. Be strong! the McDonalds
ReplyDeleteCorey,you're a man among men.Here's to a 100% recovery and a continuation of the trajectory of your career next season.BTW,really enjoyed having you out here in hong kong.Let me know how the operation went when you get a chance and let's keep in touch.
ReplyDeleteBill Kaye
Dear Corey, My son Tommy Toledo (Fl Gators) was hit in the face with a line drive just like you were on the same mound. I hope you have a speedy recovery and work hard and you will be back soon. God bless you and your family and stay in shape, work your upper body and try to keep up physicaly and you will be back in no time. Maybe sometime in the future you and my son Tommy can share storys.
ReplyDeleteCoach Pete Toledo - Alonso Ravens Fl 09 State Champs.
I'm a Razorback fan, so must admit that I'm not familiar with this young man. I think I speak for a state when I say we're sorry we won't have the privilege of taking the field with him this year. Sincere applause for the gutsy performance and prayers for a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteCorey, we wish you God's blessings for a speedy recovery. That was an amazing play under the circumstances and we are so proud of you and all you have accomplished both on and off the playing field. We love you and wish you the best.
ReplyDeleteBobby, Linda & Family, Cullman AL.
You are a very brave young man. Good luck with your recovery. Thank you for showing us your xrays.If you are able, please show us your xrays after surgery so we will know you are recovering and will be back next year. Thank you for being a true inspiration to all of us.
ReplyDelete