Strength in Numbers – 252
Tommy John surgery has become common in baseball…but returning from three Tommy John surgeries is almost unheard of.
Only three players in MLB history have made it all the way back after undergoing the procedure three separate times.
Over the years, I’ve worked with athletes dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome, labrum tears, fractured ribs, and major elbow reconstructions. Many of whom have returned to earn MLB contracts and NIL deals after being told their careers were over.
But Tejay’s journey stands out.
Not just because of the surgeries themselves, but because of what it takes to keep rebuilding after each setback.
Each Tommy John recovery gets harder. There’s less native tissue available, more surgical engineering, and for the player, more uncertainty and doubt.
And when you throw 100 mph, the stakes are even higher.
The average return-to-play timeline after Tommy John surgery is roughly 18 months.
Most people only see the triumphant return. What they miss are the long throwing progressions, time in the rehab room, and countless days where progress feels invisible.
It’s a long road filled with work, doubt, and the constant question of whether you’ll ever compete the same way again.
That’s where I learned the most from Tejay Antone.
I spent time with him at Kova Sports while he trained and worked with younger athletes. What stood out wasn’t just his work ethic, but his process.
He understands the importance of monitoring throwing-arm strength, balancing workloads, managing fatigue, and making decisions based on objective feedback instead of emotion alone.
This comeback story reflects what so many athletes experience:
- Identity during adversity
- Discipline without recognition
- Faith when progress is slow
- The courage to begin again
The strongest competitors rarely avoid hardship. And often, they’re the ones willing to rebuild themselves repeatedly.
If you’re fighting through an injury, remember that recovery isn’t linear, progress is often slower than expected, and sometimes the biggest victory is simply refusing to quit.
Strength matters most…especially during a comeback.
-Ryan
