Ocean Springs’ McCarty English cleared for Golden Eagle success as he overcomes Tommy John surgery

Baseball season may have just ended for college baseball, but some of the best stories are in the off season. News 25’s Ansley Brent joins us in studio for a recovery story that hits close to home.

This past baseball season, Ocean Springs Alum McCarty English quickly became one of Head Coach Christian Ostrander’s go to guys out of the pen for the Southern Miss baseball program. The right-hander appeared in 11 games delivering 18 strikeouts and only six free bases.
His confidence, control, and composure was incredibly impressive as a freshman, but his debut season came to a close when he realized he needed to think about his future and put his health first.
“That’s the problem with me is that I’m very stubborn,” said McCarty English after explaining he realized something wasn’t right two weeks in. “That’s why I didn’t say anything because I’m wanting to pitch and be out there and do the best I can to help the team, but I just had to say I’ve got to think about myself for a little bit and know what’s best for me. I’m only a freshman so I’ve got to prepare for the future and not just the moment.”
English left the mound on March 30th against the Troy Trojans knowing he couldn’t take the irritation in his arm much longer. After many appointments, English was scheduled for Tommy John surgery with Dr. Dugas at St. Vincent in Birmingham on April 18th.
“Everything went good. I woke up and was in some pretty significant pain, but the recovery was pretty simple to say the least. It was for one to two weeks I didn’t feel any pain and started to get that cabin fever,” said English laughing.  “It was just knowing that I was going to be able to get back and start throwing again and starting that road back to where I was before the surgery. It means a lot and I’m just ready to get back out.
He sure does make the recovery process sound easy, but English truly did learn a lot about himself during his time away from the diamond.
“Really just to be patient and think about what God’s will is and during my recovery I’ve been able to sit with God and spend time with him and really just figure out what his plan is for me and that’s what’s really been keeping me going,” said English. “I believe my calling in life is to spread the love of God through baseball and keep that in the back of my head and just do everything that I can and just keep pushing towards that goal.”
Now English is counting down the days until he’s 100% and can take the mound again for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles.
English: “Oh yeah I’m definitely ready for it. I’ve been waiting for it for about four months. It doesn’t seem like a long time, but whenever you love the game it’s a long time. I’m ready to get out there and jump right back into it.”
McCarty didn’t even think he’d be able to throw again this summer, so he left his glove in Hattiesburg. Lucky for him on his recent vacation to Cleveland, he ran into Southern Miss great and now Major League pitcher Nick Sandlin who gave him his glove to use and he continues his road to recovery.