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

This past baseball season, Ocean Springs graduate McCarty English became one of Head Coach Christian Ostrander’s go-to guys for the Southern Miss baseball program. The right-hander played in 11 games, producing 18 strikeouts and only six free bases.
His confidence, control, and composure as a freshman were incredibly impressive, but his first season ended when he realized he needed to think about his future and put his health first.
“My problem is I’m very stubborn,” McCarty English said after explaining that he realized something wasn’t right within two weeks. “So I didn’t say anything because I want to go out there and be there and do the best I can to help the team, but I just had to say I need to think about myself a little bit and know what’s best for me. I’m only a freshman, so I need to prepare not only for the moment but for the future.”
English left the field against the Troy Trojans on March 30, knowing he could not take the irritation in his arm any longer. After many appointments, English was scheduled for Tommy John surgery with Dr. Dugas at St. Vincent in Birmingham on April 18.
“Everything went well. I woke up and was in pretty serious pain, but the recovery process was pretty straightforward to say the least. I had no pain for a week or two and I started getting that cabin fever,” English said with a laugh. “Just knowing that I can get back up and start throwing again and start the journey of getting back to where I was before the surgery. It means a lot to me and I’m ready to get back out there.
He makes the recovery process look easy, but English has truly learned a lot about himself during his time away from the diamond.
“Really just being patient and thinking about what God’s will is and being able to sit with God and spend time with Him throughout my recovery and really understand what His plan is for me and that’s what’s kept me going,” English said. “I believe my calling in life is to spread God’s love through baseball and keep that in the back of my mind and do everything I can and just keep moving toward that goal.”
English is now 100% ready and looking forward to the day she can step back onto the field for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles.
English: “Oh yeah, I’m definitely ready for this. I’ve been waiting for about four months. It doesn’t seem like a long time, but when you love the game, it’s a long time. I’m ready to go out and start right back up again.”
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 current Major League pitcher Nick Sandlin, who gave him his glove to use and continues his journey to recovery.